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How to Save Our Planet: The Facts
'Punchy and to the point. No beating around the bush. This brilliant book contains all the information we need to have in our back pocket in order to move forward' Christiana Figueres, Former Executive Secretary UN Climate Change Convention
'A timely and important book, not only laying out the facts...but suggesting real solutions to the challenges facing us' Professor Alice Roberts, Anatomist, Professor of Public Engagement in Science, University of Birmingham
_________________________
How can we save our planet and survive the 21st century? How can you argue with deniers? How can we create positive change in the midst of the climate crisis?
Professor Mark Maslin has the key facts that we need to protect our future.
Global awareness of climate change is growing rapidly. Science has proven that our planet and species are facing a massive environmental crisis. How to Save Our Planet is a call to action, guaranteed to equip everyone with the knowledge needed to make change.
Be under no illusion the challenges of the twenty-first century are immense. We need to deal with: climate change, environmental destruction, global poverty and ensure everyone's security.
We have the technology.
We have the resources.
We have the money.
We have the scientists, the entrepreneurs and the innovators.
We lack the politics and policies to make your vision of a better world happen.
So we need a plan to save our planet...
How to Save Our Planet is your handbook of how we together can save our precious planet. From the history of our planet and species, to the potential of individuals and our power to create a better future, Maslin inspires optimism in these bleak times.
We stand at the precipice. The future of our planet is in our hands.
It's time to face the facts and save our planet from, and for, ourselves.
_________________________
'A handbook of clearly established, authoritative facts and figures about the terrible toll we as humans have taken of our planet, plus ways in which we can lessen the impact. For laypeople like me, who can see what is happening but haven't always got the precise statistics to hand, it's hugely valuable' John Simpson CBE, BBC World Affairs Editor, Broadcaster, Author & Columnist
'Saving the world is no small thing, but picking up this book's a good start' Paris Lees, Contributing Editor at British Vogue, campaigner
'A timely and important book, not only laying out the facts...but suggesting real solutions to the challenges facing us' Professor Alice Roberts, Anatomist, Professor of Public Engagement in Science, University of Birmingham
_________________________
How can we save our planet and survive the 21st century? How can you argue with deniers? How can we create positive change in the midst of the climate crisis?
Professor Mark Maslin has the key facts that we need to protect our future.
Global awareness of climate change is growing rapidly. Science has proven that our planet and species are facing a massive environmental crisis. How to Save Our Planet is a call to action, guaranteed to equip everyone with the knowledge needed to make change.
Be under no illusion the challenges of the twenty-first century are immense. We need to deal with: climate change, environmental destruction, global poverty and ensure everyone's security.
We have the technology.
We have the resources.
We have the money.
We have the scientists, the entrepreneurs and the innovators.
We lack the politics and policies to make your vision of a better world happen.
So we need a plan to save our planet...
How to Save Our Planet is your handbook of how we together can save our precious planet. From the history of our planet and species, to the potential of individuals and our power to create a better future, Maslin inspires optimism in these bleak times.
We stand at the precipice. The future of our planet is in our hands.
It's time to face the facts and save our planet from, and for, ourselves.
_________________________
'A handbook of clearly established, authoritative facts and figures about the terrible toll we as humans have taken of our planet, plus ways in which we can lessen the impact. For laypeople like me, who can see what is happening but haven't always got the precise statistics to hand, it's hugely valuable' John Simpson CBE, BBC World Affairs Editor, Broadcaster, Author & Columnist
'Saving the world is no small thing, but picking up this book's a good start' Paris Lees, Contributing Editor at British Vogue, campaigner
Audiobook
First published May 6, 2021
42 people are currently reading
759 people want to read
About the author
Mark Maslin
20 books34 followersProfessor Mark Maslin FRGS, FRSA is the Director of the UCL Environment Institute and Head of the Department of Geography. He is an Executive Director of Carbon Auditors Ltd/Inc. He is science advisor to the Global Cool Foundation and Carbon Sense Ltd. He is a trustee of the charity TippingPoint and a member of Cheltenham Science Festival Advisory Committee. Maslin is a leading scientist with particular expertise in past global and regional climatic change and has publish over 100 papers in journals such as Science, Nature, and Geology. He has been awarded grants of over £28 million, twenty-six of which have been awarded by NERC. His areas of scientific expertise include causes of past and future global climate change particularly ocean circulation and gas hydrates. He also works on monitoring land carbon sinks using remote sensing and ecological models and international and national climate change policies.
Professor Maslin has presented over 45 public talks over the last three years including Oxford, Cambridge, Leeds, RGS, Tate Modern, Royal Society of Medicine, British Museum, Natural History Museum, CLG, and Goldman Sachs. This year he has also join the editorial board of The Geographical Journal. He has supervised 10 Research fellows, 10 PhD students and 19 MSc students. He has also have written 7 popular books, over 25 popular articles (e.g., for New Scientist, Independent and Guardian), appeared on radio, television and been consulted regularly by the BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky News. His latest popular book is the high successful Oxford University Press “Global Warming: A Very Short Introduction” the second edition was published late last year and has sold over 40,000 copies. He was the led author of the first UCL Environment Institute Policy Report, which was the basis of the Channel 4 ‘Dispatches’ program Greenwash (5/3/07). Maslin was also a co-author of the recent Lancet report ‘Managing the health effects of climate change’ and a DIFD Report on Population, Climate Change and the Millennium Development Goals.
Academic Qualifications
University of Cambridge, Darwin College 1989 - March 1993
PhD The study of the palaeoceanography of the N.E. Atlantic during Pleistocene (Supervisor: Sir N. J. Shackleton FRS).
University of Bristol 1986-1989
BSc (Hons) in Physical Geography First Class
Geology & Chemistry was also studied at honours level. Two dissertations were written
an experimental hydrological investigation of the formation of the karst landscape in the mountains of Mallorca.
a literature review investigating the mechanisms causing global glaciation and deglaciation.
Work Experience
May 2007
Head of Department of Geography
Oct 2006
Professor of Physical Geography
Oct 2002
Reader/Associate Professor in Palaeoclimatology at the ECRC, Department of Geography, University College London, U.K.
Jan 1995 onwards
Lecturer in Palaeoceanography, Palaeoclimatology and Physical Geography at the ECRC, Department of Geography, University College London, U.K.
Aug 1993 to Oct 1995
Research Scientist at the Geologisch Paleontologisches Institut, University of Kiel, Germany, working ODP Leg 155 (Amazon Fan) samples.
Professor Maslin has presented over 45 public talks over the last three years including Oxford, Cambridge, Leeds, RGS, Tate Modern, Royal Society of Medicine, British Museum, Natural History Museum, CLG, and Goldman Sachs. This year he has also join the editorial board of The Geographical Journal. He has supervised 10 Research fellows, 10 PhD students and 19 MSc students. He has also have written 7 popular books, over 25 popular articles (e.g., for New Scientist, Independent and Guardian), appeared on radio, television and been consulted regularly by the BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky News. His latest popular book is the high successful Oxford University Press “Global Warming: A Very Short Introduction” the second edition was published late last year and has sold over 40,000 copies. He was the led author of the first UCL Environment Institute Policy Report, which was the basis of the Channel 4 ‘Dispatches’ program Greenwash (5/3/07). Maslin was also a co-author of the recent Lancet report ‘Managing the health effects of climate change’ and a DIFD Report on Population, Climate Change and the Millennium Development Goals.
Academic Qualifications
University of Cambridge, Darwin College 1989 - March 1993
PhD The study of the palaeoceanography of the N.E. Atlantic during Pleistocene (Supervisor: Sir N. J. Shackleton FRS).
University of Bristol 1986-1989
BSc (Hons) in Physical Geography First Class
Geology & Chemistry was also studied at honours level. Two dissertations were written
an experimental hydrological investigation of the formation of the karst landscape in the mountains of Mallorca.
a literature review investigating the mechanisms causing global glaciation and deglaciation.
Work Experience
May 2007
Head of Department of Geography
Oct 2006
Professor of Physical Geography
Oct 2002
Reader/Associate Professor in Palaeoclimatology at the ECRC, Department of Geography, University College London, U.K.
Jan 1995 onwards
Lecturer in Palaeoceanography, Palaeoclimatology and Physical Geography at the ECRC, Department of Geography, University College London, U.K.
Aug 1993 to Oct 1995
Research Scientist at the Geologisch Paleontologisches Institut, University of Kiel, Germany, working ODP Leg 155 (Amazon Fan) samples.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 15, 2021
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For some reason, the only books I seem to be able to stick with at the moment are non-fiction so I took advantage of that to pick up this one. It truly is a fact file style of book, with short, to-the-point statements that explain the climate crisis, offer suggestions for readers as individuals, and explains what governments across the world could be doing to mitigate some of the effects.
This is a timely book, particularly following the recent IPCC report. I think that if you know someone who is sceptical, or maybe a younger reader, this book would be a perfect introduction to the topic. As someone who’s read quite a lot on the subject of climate change and humanity’s impacts on the environment, this was a little basic for me. However it definitely brought up some interesting points that I would like to explore further.
3 out of 5 stars!
For some reason, the only books I seem to be able to stick with at the moment are non-fiction so I took advantage of that to pick up this one. It truly is a fact file style of book, with short, to-the-point statements that explain the climate crisis, offer suggestions for readers as individuals, and explains what governments across the world could be doing to mitigate some of the effects.
This is a timely book, particularly following the recent IPCC report. I think that if you know someone who is sceptical, or maybe a younger reader, this book would be a perfect introduction to the topic. As someone who’s read quite a lot on the subject of climate change and humanity’s impacts on the environment, this was a little basic for me. However it definitely brought up some interesting points that I would like to explore further.
3 out of 5 stars!
December 30, 2021
I think I'm just gonna force all my friends to read this short and punchy handbook so that they don't have to endure hours and hours of me preaching about sustainability and the urgence of taking climate action. Wait, there is no way for me to stop doing that... But it's a great book, anyway.
.
.
.
"We need disruptors,
we need novel thinkers,
we need new companies,
to drive innovation.
We need a new wave of social and environmental entrepreneurs to help save our planet.
Is that you?"
"The future awaits those with the courage to create it."
.
.
.
"We need disruptors,
we need novel thinkers,
we need new companies,
to drive innovation.
We need a new wave of social and environmental entrepreneurs to help save our planet.
Is that you?"
"The future awaits those with the courage to create it."
September 28, 2023
Very concise and to the point - if you want a quick summary of all of the points about climate change this is the book to read.
January 23, 2023
Brilliant book completely based on scientifically facts about the history of our beautiful planet and how it has evolved over time and more importantly our role in it.
Shocking truth - We have cut down 3 trillion trees and more and are making the same structural change to the earth as a meteor hit would do.
Written in simple terms so everyone can understand, I recommend it to be in every school syllabus
One small change by one person may not make much difference but one small change by everyone makes a huge difference. This is how we got to this state and this is how we can go back before it’s too late. Saving the planet and saving our children is truly in our hands.
For my friends on BorrowBox it is free and very short one to fit in a long commute or on a weekend 😊
Shocking truth - We have cut down 3 trillion trees and more and are making the same structural change to the earth as a meteor hit would do.
Written in simple terms so everyone can understand, I recommend it to be in every school syllabus
One small change by one person may not make much difference but one small change by everyone makes a huge difference. This is how we got to this state and this is how we can go back before it’s too late. Saving the planet and saving our children is truly in our hands.
For my friends on BorrowBox it is free and very short one to fit in a long commute or on a weekend 😊
April 2, 2022
Obviously very little of this was news to me, but it's a good beginners handbook that I will probably gift to the library or something.
His argument that we're too late for the revolution and that corporations need to lead the change is kind of hilarious. If we're too late now, then change can't be optional. But as this book is for a broader audience, having the average person *know* what companies need to do, and *seeing* them not doing it, could spur some political change.
The Art Of War style of writing is pretty cool. Give this to someone who knows very little about climate change.
His argument that we're too late for the revolution and that corporations need to lead the change is kind of hilarious. If we're too late now, then change can't be optional. But as this book is for a broader audience, having the average person *know* what companies need to do, and *seeing* them not doing it, could spur some political change.
The Art Of War style of writing is pretty cool. Give this to someone who knows very little about climate change.
October 3, 2024
a kind of mixed bag. on the one hand, presents an easy to read and quite straightforward plan that feels actionable, and therefore hopeful.
on the other, makes the mistake of many of these “establishment” experts of completely ignoring the urgency of tipping points, and unquestioningly embracing greenwashing. and that’s not _actually_ how to save our planet.
on the other, makes the mistake of many of these “establishment” experts of completely ignoring the urgency of tipping points, and unquestioningly embracing greenwashing. and that’s not _actually_ how to save our planet.
June 6, 2021
An easily read book with astonishing and eye-opening facts about our planet and our future. This book can be read by any age, from teenagers to adults, for its bite-sized information. An interesting read.
Read
April 13, 2023Such a unique way to present this important topic. I particularly enjoyed the sections on how individuals, companies, and governments can make a difference.
It ends with a reflection on what we should do post-pandemic, and sadly I fear we have not done enough. Are we reverting to pre-pandemic ways? I hope not. I hope we are more sustainably aware in all of our decisions.
Due to the format, this is a quick read, and I think it is something you would want to refer back to etc.
It ends with a reflection on what we should do post-pandemic, and sadly I fear we have not done enough. Are we reverting to pre-pandemic ways? I hope not. I hope we are more sustainably aware in all of our decisions.
Due to the format, this is a quick read, and I think it is something you would want to refer back to etc.
July 14, 2024
Rather disappointing. I love when information is delivered in bite size chunks. But in this book it didn't work. A big portion of it was dedicated to history from big bang to today which was unnecessary, in my opinion. There's no real advice how, as a person, you could save a planet, beyond pushing your government to implement legislations. And to be fair, the facts chosen are so well known to everyone (even if they lived under a rock) already, that the book is useless.
December 2, 2024
Until recently, I really thought I understood the basics of the climate crisis but I didn't have a clue... The media is often scary, pessimistic and overwhelming so I understand why many people (my old self included) tend to avoid the conversation and disengage from the news; it's difficult not to feel the helpless burden of eco-anxiety.
This book is the perfect handbook for sustainability newbies. It is clear, concise, short and punchy. It raises all the facts across all sectors and combats most arguments/deniers. It stresses the urgency of the climate crisis but provides a sense of agency and empowerment to take action. It is ultimately positive and envisions possibilities and opportunities for a green future.
Everyone should read this book - I really think that if we all had a deeper understanding, we would be able to make a bigger collective change for the better.
This book is the perfect handbook for sustainability newbies. It is clear, concise, short and punchy. It raises all the facts across all sectors and combats most arguments/deniers. It stresses the urgency of the climate crisis but provides a sense of agency and empowerment to take action. It is ultimately positive and envisions possibilities and opportunities for a green future.
Everyone should read this book - I really think that if we all had a deeper understanding, we would be able to make a bigger collective change for the better.
November 17, 2022
Fa sempre strano ricevere ordini.
October 8, 2022
Good book of basic environmental facts.
October 23, 2022
To the point! Concise and easy to digest. This inevitably led to a lack of depth. A good entrance to the challenges of climate change.
August 19, 2021
Extremely well documented, full of hard to ignore facts that should convince anybody un biased that Global warming is a man-made disaster and that not acting is simple cowardice…
February 1, 2022
I was rather disappointed by this book, actually. Intentionally written in bite sized, quotable sentences, it reads like a PowerPoint presentation. One of the best parts of the book is its afterword, in which some actual writing has taken place.
Moreover, taking critical thinking out of the equation and merely displaying information, or facts, makes us run the risk of jumping to conclusions and finding causations when there might not be any. If we want to truly be able to address climate change in a way that suits specific communities and different contexts, we need more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Also, lumping meat and sugar in the same “unhealthy food” category is frustratingly unhelpful. Industrial food production, be it for meat or vegetables, that does not respect the soil and biodiversity are both problematic and need to be fixed. Vilifying meat will do little to support serious farmers who are committed to producing sustainable, regenerative and welfare conscious products.
The book is not all bad, though. It does touch on important points such as the fact that we need better institutions and policies, that we need our financial system to stop funding fossil fuels, and that we need a shift of focus from extractive and shortsighted neoliberalism to human wellbeing and the elimination of inequality and poverty.
It’s call to arms, simple style makes it a quick and easy book to read, and aims to encourage people to take action to fight climate change—which is always welcome.
Moreover, taking critical thinking out of the equation and merely displaying information, or facts, makes us run the risk of jumping to conclusions and finding causations when there might not be any. If we want to truly be able to address climate change in a way that suits specific communities and different contexts, we need more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Also, lumping meat and sugar in the same “unhealthy food” category is frustratingly unhelpful. Industrial food production, be it for meat or vegetables, that does not respect the soil and biodiversity are both problematic and need to be fixed. Vilifying meat will do little to support serious farmers who are committed to producing sustainable, regenerative and welfare conscious products.
The book is not all bad, though. It does touch on important points such as the fact that we need better institutions and policies, that we need our financial system to stop funding fossil fuels, and that we need a shift of focus from extractive and shortsighted neoliberalism to human wellbeing and the elimination of inequality and poverty.
It’s call to arms, simple style makes it a quick and easy book to read, and aims to encourage people to take action to fight climate change—which is always welcome.
April 6, 2022
This is a very successful book, it packs a huge punch in a very small book. Maslin has been able to reduce extremely complex issues into digestible bite-sized information that anyone can understand and actions to help solve the problems, from individuals to companies and governments. I would absolutely recommend it, I would only say that he skims over or does not address companies 'off setting' emissions and the problems this causes, the fallout of job/income loss of those countries and communities currently employed in fossil fuel jobs. (A coal miner in Indonesia is not going to be able to switch to a renewal fuel job, without education, training and funding etc). Or historical inequalities that affect politics and economies today.
This is a basic book that is a great introduction for younger people, older or sceptical people or even more advanced readers who just want summaries in one place. But it does not provide much critical thinking or advanced complex understanding of these issues... but I don't think that is the aim of the book, if that is what you are looking for I would recommend works such as The New Age of Empire: How Racism and Colonialism Still Rule the World etc and other niche books.
This is a basic book that is a great introduction for younger people, older or sceptical people or even more advanced readers who just want summaries in one place. But it does not provide much critical thinking or advanced complex understanding of these issues... but I don't think that is the aim of the book, if that is what you are looking for I would recommend works such as The New Age of Empire: How Racism and Colonialism Still Rule the World etc and other niche books.
April 3, 2023
- Sehr hilfreiches Buch im Kampf gegen die Klimakrise und das Leugnen! -
Klappentext
Wie können wir unseren Planeten retten und das 21. Jahrhundert überleben? Wie argumentiert man mit Leugnern des Klimawandels? Wie können wir hier und jetzt die Klimawende schaffen? Dieses ungewöhnlich gestaltete Buch nennt die Fakten: kurz und kompakt, wissenschaftlich fundiert und nachprüfbar. Der bekannte Klimaexperte Prof. Mark Maslin entwirft keine Utopien, sondern liefert stichhaltige Argumente und gibt konkrete Tipps, was jeder von uns im Alltag beitragen kann. Wir haben allen Grund zum Optimismus, denn unsere Zukunft liegt ganz allein in unseren Händen. Zeit, den Tatsachen ins Auge zu blicken und unsere Erde vor und für uns zu retten!
Übersicht
Einzelband oder Reihe: Sachbuch, Einzelband
Kapitellänge: mittel
Rezension
„Wir stehen am Abgrund. Die Zukunft unseres Planeten liegt in unseren Händen.“ E-Book, Position 63
Ich lese nur selten Sachbücher – und wenn, dann nervt es mich sehr, wenn sich die Autor_innen wiederholen und damit meine Zeit verschwenden. Dieses Buch lockte mich mit seiner Kürze, seiner Wissenschaftlichkeit und seinem brandaktuellen Thema: Klimawandel. Das ist nämlich eine Thematik, über die man gerade als Lehrerin nicht genau genug informiert sein kann. Außerdem versprach es konrete Handlungsvorschläge und dass man in jeder Situation daraus zitieren kann, sei es bei Partys oder sogar im Parlament – ganz egal eben, wo man auf Klima-Leugner_innen trifft. Daher musste ich es natürlich lesen!
Gleich am Beginn zur wichtigsten Frage: Kann das Buch wirklich alle Versprechen halten, das es auf den ersten Seiten macht? Nicht ganz! Aber ist es trotzdem eine lesenswerte Lektüre? Definitiv! Prof. Mark Maslin hat ein Sachbuch vorgelegt, das sich an (fast) alle wendet. Für wen das Thema noch komplettes Neuland ist, der_die wird langsam an das Problem herangeführt, aber auch wer sich schon etwas besser auskennt, kann hier noch einiges dazulernen. Zuerst wird kurz auf die Menschheitsgeschichte eingegangen und erklärt, wie wir überhaupt an den Punkt gelangt sind, an dem wir heute (leider) stehen (stellenweise ganz schön deprimierend, da fragt man sich schon, ob wir unseren bevorstehenden Untergang nicht vielleicht sogar verdient haben). Danach wird über die Gegenwart gesprochen und es wird uns gezeigt, wie unsere Zukunft aussehen könnte, wenn wir uns a) ab jetzt für das Klima einsetzen (friedlich, positiv, gerechter, lebenswert) oder wenn wir weiterhin b) so gut wie nichts tun (dystopisch, schlecht, das wollen wir nicht erleben, glaubt mir!).
Auch die beliebtesten Argumente der Klimawandel-Leugner_innen werden faktenbasiert widerlegt – was ich sehr praktisch und nützlich für den Alltag finde. Am Ende – und dieser Teil hat mir am allerbesten gefallen – sagt uns Mark Maslin noch ganz konkret, was unsere nächsten Schritte sein sollten und wie jede_r von uns etwas zu einer klimafreundlicheren Zukunft beitragen kann. Hier habe ich am meisten für mich mitnehmen können – endlich wurden mir nämlich die größeren Zusammenhänge klar und ich fühle mich jetzt viel kompetenter im Umgang mit der Krise. Damit hat Prof. Mark Maslin doch schon sehr viel erreicht!
Nicht so gut gefallen hat mir hingegen, dass sich das Buch – obwohl es wirklich sehr kurz ist und alles Unwichtige weglässt – trotz aller Versprechungen am Ende wiederholt, was ich etwas anstrengend fand. Stören könnte manche von euch auch, dass man nicht so richtig in einen Lesefluss kommt, weil der Schreibstil sehr nüchtern und die Absätze sehr kurz sind (manchmal nur ein prägnanter Satz). Dementsprechend bleibt auch das vermittelte Wissen eher an der Oberfläche (es geht eher darum, sich einen Überblick über das Thema zu verschaffen), was zumindest mir aber bei einem so kurzen und knackigen Buch von Anfang an klar war. Gewünscht hätte ich mir bei einem Werk, das sich so für eine fairere, gerechtere Zukunft einsetzt, allerdings schon, dass gegendert wird und so alle Geschlechter sichtbar gemacht werden, Herr Prof. Maslin! Bitte dann beim nächsten Buch!
Insgesamt überwiegen für mich jedenfalls eindeutig die Stärken – das ist mir besonders im Nachhinein klar geworden, weil ich gemerkt habe, dass ich immer wieder an die Lektüre zurückdenke, wenn ich zum Beispiel Nachrichten über den Klimawandel höre. Allerdings lösen das aktuelle Nichtstun der Politik und die negativen Berichte über Klimaaktivist_innen nun bei mir beim noch mehr Stress, Wut und Frust aus als vorher – aber das ist wohl der Preis, den man als „Wissende“ zahlt (ich zahle ihn gerne, denn was ist die Alternative?). Aus diesem Grund empfehle ich euch das Buch gerne weiter – besonders wenn auch ihr in einer Schule arbeitet oder Klimaleugner_innen in eurem Bekannten-, Freundes- oder sogar Familienkreis habt!
Mein Fazit
Wer (wie ich vorher) das Gefühl hat, beim Thema „Klimawandel“ nur lückenhaftes Wissen zu besitzen, wer sich gerne einen Überblick verschaffen und die größeren Zusammenhänge verstehen würde, wer nach einem wissenschaftlich fundierten Sachbuch ohne nerviges „Blabla“ sucht, wer im Bildungsbereich arbeitet, wem beim Argumentieren mit Klimaleugner_innen schnell die Argumente ausgehen, wer gerne ETWAS tun würde, aber nicht so recht weiß, wie und was und wo anfangen – euch allen kann ich „Erste Hilfe für die Erde“ nur wärmstens ans Herz legen! Dieses kurze und knackige Sachbuch wird euch mit wertvollem Wissen, Diskussionswerkzeugen, einer Vision und konkreten Handlungsvorschlägen versorgen, sodass ihr euch am Ende nicht nur informierter, kompetenter und motivierter im Umgang mit der Krise fühlen werdet, sondern – und das ist ganz wichtig – auch irgendwie hoffnungsvoller, dass wir es doch noch schaffen können.
Bewertung
Einstieg: 4 Lilien
Inhalt: 4 Lilien
Verständlichkeit: 5 Lilien ♥
Schreibstil: 4 Lilien
Feministischer Blickwinkel: 3 Lilien
Insgesamt:
❀❀❀❀ Sterne
Dieses Buch bekommt von mir vier zufriedene Sterne!
Klappentext
Wie können wir unseren Planeten retten und das 21. Jahrhundert überleben? Wie argumentiert man mit Leugnern des Klimawandels? Wie können wir hier und jetzt die Klimawende schaffen? Dieses ungewöhnlich gestaltete Buch nennt die Fakten: kurz und kompakt, wissenschaftlich fundiert und nachprüfbar. Der bekannte Klimaexperte Prof. Mark Maslin entwirft keine Utopien, sondern liefert stichhaltige Argumente und gibt konkrete Tipps, was jeder von uns im Alltag beitragen kann. Wir haben allen Grund zum Optimismus, denn unsere Zukunft liegt ganz allein in unseren Händen. Zeit, den Tatsachen ins Auge zu blicken und unsere Erde vor und für uns zu retten!
Übersicht
Einzelband oder Reihe: Sachbuch, Einzelband
Kapitellänge: mittel
Rezension
„Wir stehen am Abgrund. Die Zukunft unseres Planeten liegt in unseren Händen.“ E-Book, Position 63
Ich lese nur selten Sachbücher – und wenn, dann nervt es mich sehr, wenn sich die Autor_innen wiederholen und damit meine Zeit verschwenden. Dieses Buch lockte mich mit seiner Kürze, seiner Wissenschaftlichkeit und seinem brandaktuellen Thema: Klimawandel. Das ist nämlich eine Thematik, über die man gerade als Lehrerin nicht genau genug informiert sein kann. Außerdem versprach es konrete Handlungsvorschläge und dass man in jeder Situation daraus zitieren kann, sei es bei Partys oder sogar im Parlament – ganz egal eben, wo man auf Klima-Leugner_innen trifft. Daher musste ich es natürlich lesen!
Gleich am Beginn zur wichtigsten Frage: Kann das Buch wirklich alle Versprechen halten, das es auf den ersten Seiten macht? Nicht ganz! Aber ist es trotzdem eine lesenswerte Lektüre? Definitiv! Prof. Mark Maslin hat ein Sachbuch vorgelegt, das sich an (fast) alle wendet. Für wen das Thema noch komplettes Neuland ist, der_die wird langsam an das Problem herangeführt, aber auch wer sich schon etwas besser auskennt, kann hier noch einiges dazulernen. Zuerst wird kurz auf die Menschheitsgeschichte eingegangen und erklärt, wie wir überhaupt an den Punkt gelangt sind, an dem wir heute (leider) stehen (stellenweise ganz schön deprimierend, da fragt man sich schon, ob wir unseren bevorstehenden Untergang nicht vielleicht sogar verdient haben). Danach wird über die Gegenwart gesprochen und es wird uns gezeigt, wie unsere Zukunft aussehen könnte, wenn wir uns a) ab jetzt für das Klima einsetzen (friedlich, positiv, gerechter, lebenswert) oder wenn wir weiterhin b) so gut wie nichts tun (dystopisch, schlecht, das wollen wir nicht erleben, glaubt mir!).
Auch die beliebtesten Argumente der Klimawandel-Leugner_innen werden faktenbasiert widerlegt – was ich sehr praktisch und nützlich für den Alltag finde. Am Ende – und dieser Teil hat mir am allerbesten gefallen – sagt uns Mark Maslin noch ganz konkret, was unsere nächsten Schritte sein sollten und wie jede_r von uns etwas zu einer klimafreundlicheren Zukunft beitragen kann. Hier habe ich am meisten für mich mitnehmen können – endlich wurden mir nämlich die größeren Zusammenhänge klar und ich fühle mich jetzt viel kompetenter im Umgang mit der Krise. Damit hat Prof. Mark Maslin doch schon sehr viel erreicht!
Nicht so gut gefallen hat mir hingegen, dass sich das Buch – obwohl es wirklich sehr kurz ist und alles Unwichtige weglässt – trotz aller Versprechungen am Ende wiederholt, was ich etwas anstrengend fand. Stören könnte manche von euch auch, dass man nicht so richtig in einen Lesefluss kommt, weil der Schreibstil sehr nüchtern und die Absätze sehr kurz sind (manchmal nur ein prägnanter Satz). Dementsprechend bleibt auch das vermittelte Wissen eher an der Oberfläche (es geht eher darum, sich einen Überblick über das Thema zu verschaffen), was zumindest mir aber bei einem so kurzen und knackigen Buch von Anfang an klar war. Gewünscht hätte ich mir bei einem Werk, das sich so für eine fairere, gerechtere Zukunft einsetzt, allerdings schon, dass gegendert wird und so alle Geschlechter sichtbar gemacht werden, Herr Prof. Maslin! Bitte dann beim nächsten Buch!
Insgesamt überwiegen für mich jedenfalls eindeutig die Stärken – das ist mir besonders im Nachhinein klar geworden, weil ich gemerkt habe, dass ich immer wieder an die Lektüre zurückdenke, wenn ich zum Beispiel Nachrichten über den Klimawandel höre. Allerdings lösen das aktuelle Nichtstun der Politik und die negativen Berichte über Klimaaktivist_innen nun bei mir beim noch mehr Stress, Wut und Frust aus als vorher – aber das ist wohl der Preis, den man als „Wissende“ zahlt (ich zahle ihn gerne, denn was ist die Alternative?). Aus diesem Grund empfehle ich euch das Buch gerne weiter – besonders wenn auch ihr in einer Schule arbeitet oder Klimaleugner_innen in eurem Bekannten-, Freundes- oder sogar Familienkreis habt!
Mein Fazit
Wer (wie ich vorher) das Gefühl hat, beim Thema „Klimawandel“ nur lückenhaftes Wissen zu besitzen, wer sich gerne einen Überblick verschaffen und die größeren Zusammenhänge verstehen würde, wer nach einem wissenschaftlich fundierten Sachbuch ohne nerviges „Blabla“ sucht, wer im Bildungsbereich arbeitet, wem beim Argumentieren mit Klimaleugner_innen schnell die Argumente ausgehen, wer gerne ETWAS tun würde, aber nicht so recht weiß, wie und was und wo anfangen – euch allen kann ich „Erste Hilfe für die Erde“ nur wärmstens ans Herz legen! Dieses kurze und knackige Sachbuch wird euch mit wertvollem Wissen, Diskussionswerkzeugen, einer Vision und konkreten Handlungsvorschlägen versorgen, sodass ihr euch am Ende nicht nur informierter, kompetenter und motivierter im Umgang mit der Krise fühlen werdet, sondern – und das ist ganz wichtig – auch irgendwie hoffnungsvoller, dass wir es doch noch schaffen können.
Bewertung
Einstieg: 4 Lilien
Inhalt: 4 Lilien
Verständlichkeit: 5 Lilien ♥
Schreibstil: 4 Lilien
Feministischer Blickwinkel: 3 Lilien
Insgesamt:
❀❀❀❀ Sterne
Dieses Buch bekommt von mir vier zufriedene Sterne!
June 8, 2021
I read this book fast which is easy with the short snappy sentences layout. I really enjoyed this format for non fiction it is a very accessible way of learning. Highly recommend anyone read this. My favorite chapter was chapter 5: potential futures- nightmare or ecotopia. There’s a lot of facts and figures in this book which I really enjoyed learning about!
March 1, 2022
This is not a very useful book. It's a bunch of loosely associated one sentence summaries of scientific papers. Yes, it is the facts but not in any meaningful narrative. Who is the audience for this? I teach climate policy, I'm always looking for good books and sources for students and others but this isn't it.
April 24, 2022
The information is presented like a series of tweets, and doing so means there's no space for nuance. Contraversial statements are presented like facts. I mostly agree with the contents of this book, but stylistically it's not suited to how I like to read. If you like bite sized information, this might be for you, though.
September 7, 2022
Interesting concept. Accessibility to transparent and easily digestible information on climate change seems like a reasonable mission statement, although I feel like in practice it turns out to be a mixed bag.
This was an incredibly easy read. On one hand, I'm inclined to criticize Maslin for making an "Instagram-able" book, but given the purpose, I'll give it a pass. The organization of the book was generally well thought-out. And as a Climate change for dummies book, I felt like I really got all that I needed.
That being said, this book lacks a lot of the connective tissue that makes it a particularly compelling read. And while I appreciate the transparency, I often feel that Maslin's tendency to make fairly broad statements only backed by a source and no analysis almost backfires. In today's post-truth society, I'm not sure how far a source will go, especially when presented with nothing else. In this sense, I feel like How to Save Our Planet makes for a great read for people predisposed towards the issue but not fully informed on the facts. This book would be great for someone who might know Climate change is bad and trust the science, but not know exactly what might happen or what steps to take to prevent climate change.
I also appreciated the framing that combatting climate change isn't only morally the right thing to do but from a health and economic standpoint also beneficial as well. This is too-often an argument I hear for not acting, even though many of the proposed solutions will do nothing but help the world. Similarly, the emphasis on the intersectionality between labor, neoliberal capitalism, and climate change is one that I am all-too-familiar with but perhaps not necessarily a mainstream take. These issues cannot be viewed discretely.
Where Maslin lost me was his Corporate responsibility section in which he outlines ways in which we can pressure corporations to act in conjunction with governments to combat climate change. From a utilitarian standpoint of [lowering emissions as fast as possible], this seems a reasonable take; however, I don't see much room for corporations within a global climate movement that aims to fight inequality. They are the enemy, and rehabilitating them as possible vectors of good will only extend the status quo. To my point, he uses freaking BP as an example of a responsible corporation committed to fighting climate change. There is no world where BP will act in the interest of the environment if it is not unequivocally economically beneficial for itself. We cannot allow them to coopt the movement.
He also doesn't necessarily make a ton of room for nuance when discussing the issue. To be fair, this was mostly a surface-level book, but there is much more grey area that doesn't necessarily translate well in this book. It's great that he encourages environmental stewardship, etc. but from a purely CO2 standpoint, stuff like using compostable material is actually detrimental to arguably the most pressing issue at hand. I also appreciated Maslin's encouragement that we need to consume less (this should be emphasized in all books about climate change - fighting climate change cannot only involve ethical consumption but rather a reduction altogether to only what we need) but also doesn't even float the idea that it might be necessary to deflate our economies, which is likely the case and only perpetuates that we can keep growing GDP and still fight climate change. At one point, Maslin almost lost me by floating the idea of a gas tax - without the nuance of it only being applied to the wealthiest, this would only be a tax on poor people, running completely against what Maslin preaches.
Either way, this was a reasonably enjoyable read, and Maslin accomplishes his goal fairly well.
This was an incredibly easy read. On one hand, I'm inclined to criticize Maslin for making an "Instagram-able" book, but given the purpose, I'll give it a pass. The organization of the book was generally well thought-out. And as a Climate change for dummies book, I felt like I really got all that I needed.
That being said, this book lacks a lot of the connective tissue that makes it a particularly compelling read. And while I appreciate the transparency, I often feel that Maslin's tendency to make fairly broad statements only backed by a source and no analysis almost backfires. In today's post-truth society, I'm not sure how far a source will go, especially when presented with nothing else. In this sense, I feel like How to Save Our Planet makes for a great read for people predisposed towards the issue but not fully informed on the facts. This book would be great for someone who might know Climate change is bad and trust the science, but not know exactly what might happen or what steps to take to prevent climate change.
I also appreciated the framing that combatting climate change isn't only morally the right thing to do but from a health and economic standpoint also beneficial as well. This is too-often an argument I hear for not acting, even though many of the proposed solutions will do nothing but help the world. Similarly, the emphasis on the intersectionality between labor, neoliberal capitalism, and climate change is one that I am all-too-familiar with but perhaps not necessarily a mainstream take. These issues cannot be viewed discretely.
Where Maslin lost me was his Corporate responsibility section in which he outlines ways in which we can pressure corporations to act in conjunction with governments to combat climate change. From a utilitarian standpoint of [lowering emissions as fast as possible], this seems a reasonable take; however, I don't see much room for corporations within a global climate movement that aims to fight inequality. They are the enemy, and rehabilitating them as possible vectors of good will only extend the status quo. To my point, he uses freaking BP as an example of a responsible corporation committed to fighting climate change. There is no world where BP will act in the interest of the environment if it is not unequivocally economically beneficial for itself. We cannot allow them to coopt the movement.
He also doesn't necessarily make a ton of room for nuance when discussing the issue. To be fair, this was mostly a surface-level book, but there is much more grey area that doesn't necessarily translate well in this book. It's great that he encourages environmental stewardship, etc. but from a purely CO2 standpoint, stuff like using compostable material is actually detrimental to arguably the most pressing issue at hand. I also appreciated Maslin's encouragement that we need to consume less (this should be emphasized in all books about climate change - fighting climate change cannot only involve ethical consumption but rather a reduction altogether to only what we need) but also doesn't even float the idea that it might be necessary to deflate our economies, which is likely the case and only perpetuates that we can keep growing GDP and still fight climate change. At one point, Maslin almost lost me by floating the idea of a gas tax - without the nuance of it only being applied to the wealthiest, this would only be a tax on poor people, running completely against what Maslin preaches.
Either way, this was a reasonably enjoyable read, and Maslin accomplishes his goal fairly well.
September 17, 2022
Erste Hilfe für die Erde von Prof. Mark Maslin hat mich aus unterschiedlichen Gründen direkt angesprochen, das kleine kompakte Buch mit dem modernen Cover ruft förmlich danach in die Hand genommen zu werden. Das Thema des Klimanotstandes ist brandaktuell und kann meines Erachtens gar nicht genug Aufmerksamkeit bekommen. Die Einleitung selbst beschreibt das Buch besser als ich es könnte: ein "kurzes, aber prägnantes Handbuch, das [...] Einsichten und Wissen sowie schlagkräftige Argumente und Handlungsempfehlungen vermittelt" mit neuem und eigenem Stil.
Dieses Versprechen hält das Buch von Prof. Maslin: Es reiht mehr oder weniger für sich alleinstehende Fakten aneinander und vermittelt so dem Leser auf sehr knappe Art und Weise wichtige Eckpunkte zum Themenkomplex Klimanotstand. Immer wieder hatte ich beim Lesen kleinere "Aha"-Momente und hatte Lust, dem einen oder anderen Punkt nochmal genauer nachzugehen. Das wird einem leicht gemacht, da (fast) jeder Satz mit einer Quellenangabe hinterlegt ist. Positiv hervorzuheben ist hierbei, dass es sich bei den Fußnoten tatsächlich "nur" um die bloßen Quellenangaben handelt, hier also nicht dem derzeitigen Trend gefolgt wurde, einen Großteil der Informationsvermittlung über Fußnoten ablaufen zu lassen. Wie viel beim Lesen von den wahnsinnig komprimiert dargestellten Fakten tatsächlich nachhaltig hängen bleibt weiß ich nicht, weswegen ich die Meinung teile, dass es sich eher um ein Handbuch zum stetigen Nachschlagen handelt, als um ein "normales" Sachbuch zur Wissensvermittlung. Lässt man sich davon nicht stressen und findet den richtigen Umgang mit dem Buch, dann hält das Buch sein Wort und kann eine Menge zur zwingend notwendigen Aufklärung beitragen.
Fazit: Ein kurzweiliges Buch, dessen Layout und Gestaltung Spaß beim Lesen und Nachschlagen bereitet, vollgespickt mit interessanten Fakten zum Thema Klimanotstand. Durch die schier unendliche Fülle an (wichtigen) Informationen geht das Buch nicht sonderlich in die Tiefe, liefert aber die notwendigen Quellenangaben, sollte man sich mit einzelnen Themen im Detail beschäftigen wollen.
Dieses Versprechen hält das Buch von Prof. Maslin: Es reiht mehr oder weniger für sich alleinstehende Fakten aneinander und vermittelt so dem Leser auf sehr knappe Art und Weise wichtige Eckpunkte zum Themenkomplex Klimanotstand. Immer wieder hatte ich beim Lesen kleinere "Aha"-Momente und hatte Lust, dem einen oder anderen Punkt nochmal genauer nachzugehen. Das wird einem leicht gemacht, da (fast) jeder Satz mit einer Quellenangabe hinterlegt ist. Positiv hervorzuheben ist hierbei, dass es sich bei den Fußnoten tatsächlich "nur" um die bloßen Quellenangaben handelt, hier also nicht dem derzeitigen Trend gefolgt wurde, einen Großteil der Informationsvermittlung über Fußnoten ablaufen zu lassen. Wie viel beim Lesen von den wahnsinnig komprimiert dargestellten Fakten tatsächlich nachhaltig hängen bleibt weiß ich nicht, weswegen ich die Meinung teile, dass es sich eher um ein Handbuch zum stetigen Nachschlagen handelt, als um ein "normales" Sachbuch zur Wissensvermittlung. Lässt man sich davon nicht stressen und findet den richtigen Umgang mit dem Buch, dann hält das Buch sein Wort und kann eine Menge zur zwingend notwendigen Aufklärung beitragen.
Fazit: Ein kurzweiliges Buch, dessen Layout und Gestaltung Spaß beim Lesen und Nachschlagen bereitet, vollgespickt mit interessanten Fakten zum Thema Klimanotstand. Durch die schier unendliche Fülle an (wichtigen) Informationen geht das Buch nicht sonderlich in die Tiefe, liefert aber die notwendigen Quellenangaben, sollte man sich mit einzelnen Themen im Detail beschäftigen wollen.
February 7, 2025
I always feel so conflicted with books like these… On the one hand, I know this book would be useful to someone who is just beginning to learn about/have conversations about climate change and needs some facts to aid them in forming their opinions or arguments. Of course I wouldn’t say I particularly disliked it.
On the other hand, I feel like there’s always some strange form of denialism in books like these. It’s briefly discussed that the majority of climate change is caused by our governments and the extremely wealthy. Despite acknowledging that modern climate change is largely the fault of capitalism & industrialization, these sorts of books still place SO much emphasis on the individual. The solutions portion of the book begins with solutions like; stop flying, drive less, make your home more energy efficient, go vegan, etc. These are absolutely helpful solutions (both for an individual and for the planet), but we have already acknowledged that our systems are not built to facilitate these choices for the average person. I think the vast majority of people have heard these suggestions, understand the benefits, and WOULD be doing them if we could. But for many of us, these aren’t plausible solutions in our daily lives.
I’m not sure of the best way to approach the conversation, but I think that people who believe in climate change eventually need to come to an understanding that our current systems simply do not align with the principles of sustainability. Taking an “apolitical” approach to climate change and encouraging corporations/democratic governments to “lead the charge” may change some people’s minds and help people achieve a basic understanding of the problem, but there are deeper issues here… I agree that we should work to the best of our abilities within our current systems to save the planet, but there needs to be an understanding that we can’t stop there.
On the other hand, I feel like there’s always some strange form of denialism in books like these. It’s briefly discussed that the majority of climate change is caused by our governments and the extremely wealthy. Despite acknowledging that modern climate change is largely the fault of capitalism & industrialization, these sorts of books still place SO much emphasis on the individual. The solutions portion of the book begins with solutions like; stop flying, drive less, make your home more energy efficient, go vegan, etc. These are absolutely helpful solutions (both for an individual and for the planet), but we have already acknowledged that our systems are not built to facilitate these choices for the average person. I think the vast majority of people have heard these suggestions, understand the benefits, and WOULD be doing them if we could. But for many of us, these aren’t plausible solutions in our daily lives.
I’m not sure of the best way to approach the conversation, but I think that people who believe in climate change eventually need to come to an understanding that our current systems simply do not align with the principles of sustainability. Taking an “apolitical” approach to climate change and encouraging corporations/democratic governments to “lead the charge” may change some people’s minds and help people achieve a basic understanding of the problem, but there are deeper issues here… I agree that we should work to the best of our abilities within our current systems to save the planet, but there needs to be an understanding that we can’t stop there.
July 11, 2025
Not to be crude, but this served as my bathroom book for a month or two, good for reading in snippets here and there because of its format. As the author writes: “The book is inspired by Sub Tzu’s Art of War. Like that book, it is written in short sentences and phrases — each one laden with meaning.”
What Maslin does is present us with the facts: Laying out point by point the history of the earth, the history of humanity, the state of our world, and eventually the meat of the book: our role in warming it up — and what we can do to reverse that momentum.
The only problem is that the limitations of this book are clear: It’s good for an introduction, but far too simple to do anything with if you have any working knowledge of the climate space.
The ideas are sound, but that’s just it: They’re ideas. They are surface-level thought bubbles, with little or no depth. Sure, we need governmental and corporate and individual solutions. But for example you can’t just tax unhealthy foods like meat and sugar. Or create a universal income. It’s just not politically feasible.
Even some of his individual choices are too blunt and unproductive. Stop flying? This is the kind of language that is used against the left, hurting our ultimate efforts.
I get that the point of the book isn’t to get into the nitty gritty, but it’s this simplistic language that can ultimately hurt us. A book of bullet points to “save the planet” is perhaps too much of an oxymoron to ever really work. Good for discussion, maybe, but not for implementation.
My last thing: This was written in 2021, and it feels like it. The optimism post pandemic to change institutions is palpable, but several years later, as the world swings further right, that pie-in-the-sky ideology has hit a brick wall, and our approach to climate change must change, or we won’t ever turn any of these ideas into action.
What Maslin does is present us with the facts: Laying out point by point the history of the earth, the history of humanity, the state of our world, and eventually the meat of the book: our role in warming it up — and what we can do to reverse that momentum.
The only problem is that the limitations of this book are clear: It’s good for an introduction, but far too simple to do anything with if you have any working knowledge of the climate space.
The ideas are sound, but that’s just it: They’re ideas. They are surface-level thought bubbles, with little or no depth. Sure, we need governmental and corporate and individual solutions. But for example you can’t just tax unhealthy foods like meat and sugar. Or create a universal income. It’s just not politically feasible.
Even some of his individual choices are too blunt and unproductive. Stop flying? This is the kind of language that is used against the left, hurting our ultimate efforts.
I get that the point of the book isn’t to get into the nitty gritty, but it’s this simplistic language that can ultimately hurt us. A book of bullet points to “save the planet” is perhaps too much of an oxymoron to ever really work. Good for discussion, maybe, but not for implementation.
My last thing: This was written in 2021, and it feels like it. The optimism post pandemic to change institutions is palpable, but several years later, as the world swings further right, that pie-in-the-sky ideology has hit a brick wall, and our approach to climate change must change, or we won’t ever turn any of these ideas into action.
September 19, 2022
"Erste Hilfe für die Erde" von Prof. Mark Maslin ist ein handliches Buch mit einem sehr ansprechenden Erscheinungsbild. Inhaltlich beschäftigt sich das Buch mit Fakten über die Erde, ihre Bevölkerung sowie die Möglichkeiten zur Umkehr des Temperaturanstiegs und die Vermeidung von Naturkatastrophen.
Dabei werden in 9 Kapiteln Fakten hintereinander aufgereiht. Hierbei handelt es sich nicht um einen Fließtext. Maslin selbst benennt sein Buch als Faktenquelle, welche als Wissensquelle in der Kneipe herangezogen werden kann. Er benennt es jedoch auch als Instrument, um die Regierung zu stürzen bzw. dazu zu zwingen die Erde zu retten.
Die Lesart von hintereinander gereihten Fakten ist durchaus gewöhnungsbedürftig. Dabei sind die Fakten größtenteils interessant. Es ist allerdings schwierig zu viel davon hintereinander zu lesen.
Während des zweiten Kapitels hat mich zudem der Verdacht beschlichen, dass Maslin nicht all zu viel von Menschen hält. Während der Schreibens wirkt es, als hielte Maslin die Welt für perfekt bis der Mensch das erste Mal die Erde betritt.
Im Laufe des Buches macht der Autor mehrere Vorschläge, wie die Erde gerettet werden kann. Diese sind jedoch nicht für den Einzelnen umsetzbar, sondern müssen als Ganzes angegangen werden. So gut die Ideen in der Theorie klingen, so unrealistisch klingen diese Ideen für die Praxis.
Insgesamt ist das Buch durchaus interessant und hübsch, setzt aber sehr hohe Maßstäbe. Dabei hält es sich selbst nicht an diese, zumal es viel Leerraum hat und die Hälfte des Buches hätte gespart werden können, wenn nicht jeweils ein Satz auf einer halben Seite in Fettdruck wiederholt werden würde.
Dabei werden in 9 Kapiteln Fakten hintereinander aufgereiht. Hierbei handelt es sich nicht um einen Fließtext. Maslin selbst benennt sein Buch als Faktenquelle, welche als Wissensquelle in der Kneipe herangezogen werden kann. Er benennt es jedoch auch als Instrument, um die Regierung zu stürzen bzw. dazu zu zwingen die Erde zu retten.
Die Lesart von hintereinander gereihten Fakten ist durchaus gewöhnungsbedürftig. Dabei sind die Fakten größtenteils interessant. Es ist allerdings schwierig zu viel davon hintereinander zu lesen.
Während des zweiten Kapitels hat mich zudem der Verdacht beschlichen, dass Maslin nicht all zu viel von Menschen hält. Während der Schreibens wirkt es, als hielte Maslin die Welt für perfekt bis der Mensch das erste Mal die Erde betritt.
Im Laufe des Buches macht der Autor mehrere Vorschläge, wie die Erde gerettet werden kann. Diese sind jedoch nicht für den Einzelnen umsetzbar, sondern müssen als Ganzes angegangen werden. So gut die Ideen in der Theorie klingen, so unrealistisch klingen diese Ideen für die Praxis.
Insgesamt ist das Buch durchaus interessant und hübsch, setzt aber sehr hohe Maßstäbe. Dabei hält es sich selbst nicht an diese, zumal es viel Leerraum hat und die Hälfte des Buches hätte gespart werden können, wenn nicht jeweils ein Satz auf einer halben Seite in Fettdruck wiederholt werden würde.
May 4, 2024
This is a great book to give some perspective to those who are blind to climate change. In the country I live there are large groups of the population who have never been educated on climate change, global warming and the potential detrimental effects this may have on our world.
I think this is a great starter book for someone who wants to learn a baseline knowledge of climate change and the potential threats we face. How it is handled in this decade and the current solutions humans are facing.
It is not for someone who is looking for deep analysis. The book is structured in short quick-fire statements with very little to no scientific explanation to anything.
The book is very, incredibly, idealistic. It’s very easy to write a list of how ideal the world would be if we just started electrifying everything from one day to another and giving out money to everyone and financing the global south’s energy projects…
It’s a completely different thing to actual discuss the economic detriments, the concrete plans on how some of the ideas would play out and to actually analyse the science behind these ideas.
That being said, I think it’s a great first read into the topic.
I think this is a great starter book for someone who wants to learn a baseline knowledge of climate change and the potential threats we face. How it is handled in this decade and the current solutions humans are facing.
It is not for someone who is looking for deep analysis. The book is structured in short quick-fire statements with very little to no scientific explanation to anything.
The book is very, incredibly, idealistic. It’s very easy to write a list of how ideal the world would be if we just started electrifying everything from one day to another and giving out money to everyone and financing the global south’s energy projects…
It’s a completely different thing to actual discuss the economic detriments, the concrete plans on how some of the ideas would play out and to actually analyse the science behind these ideas.
That being said, I think it’s a great first read into the topic.
June 2, 2022
This was a brilliant read. It was so refreshing to actually read a book, that states the cold hard truth about what's happening to our planet. I think this book should be read by everyone on the planet. So each and every person understands just hope important change is. Then we can all work together to create a better future for our children. It even shows how we can put pressure on our government. The book was wrote in simple terms so everyone can understand. I actually believe this book should be every high school and should be a compulsory read. I loved how every statement was backed up with references. That makes it easier to read up on every statement.
I really recommend this book to everyone who wants to do their bit. Also everyone who is affected by extreme weather problems. Also all those who like living near a coastline.
Only the highest praise goes out to the author and publishers for producing this magnificent book that only states the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
I really recommend this book to everyone who wants to do their bit. Also everyone who is affected by extreme weather problems. Also all those who like living near a coastline.
Only the highest praise goes out to the author and publishers for producing this magnificent book that only states the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
June 1, 2024
We know how to save the planet. We have all the facts and solutions, and Mark Maslin does an excellent job gathering them all in this easily readable book. He also highlights what we don't have, yet, and that is the political will & widespread courage to solve this crisis.
This book is the best place to start on your Climate Emergency learning journey, taking you from the birth of the universe 13.8 billion years ago right up to our post-COVID world, using sets of easily readable and quotable statements and facts, in the style of Sun Tzu's The Art of War.
The book compares two futures, a nightmare scenario and an ecotopia, and challenges the reader to "Imagine Our Future History. Create The Pathway. Make It Happen" through individuals demanding change, which acts as a catalyst for growing corporate responsibility and a shift in government policies to enact win-win climate solutions. The most succinct yet meaning laden short book available on the topic, a perfect jumping off point to further learning and climate action.
This book is the best place to start on your Climate Emergency learning journey, taking you from the birth of the universe 13.8 billion years ago right up to our post-COVID world, using sets of easily readable and quotable statements and facts, in the style of Sun Tzu's The Art of War.
The book compares two futures, a nightmare scenario and an ecotopia, and challenges the reader to "Imagine Our Future History. Create The Pathway. Make It Happen" through individuals demanding change, which acts as a catalyst for growing corporate responsibility and a shift in government policies to enact win-win climate solutions. The most succinct yet meaning laden short book available on the topic, a perfect jumping off point to further learning and climate action.
September 19, 2022
Zum Inhalt:
Ein Klimaexperte stellt seine Sicht der Dinge vor und zwar nicht nur was die aktuelle Situation angeht. Er hält eine Rückschau, aber er schaut auch in die Zukunft und zeigt Szenarien auf wie es sein könnte, wenn wir alle was tun oder auch wenn wir alle nichts tun. Er legt auch den Finger in die Wunde der Klimaleugner, die alles auf normale Wetterlagen schieben aber eben sachlich.
Meine Meinung:
Selten habe ich ein Buch gelesen, dass in dieser Art und Weise geschrieben wurde. Viele, viele kurze, aber sehr knackige Sätze, die vieles auf den Punkt bringen. Der Autor schafft es auch in der Kürze des Buches einen Abriss über die Entstehung der Welt, über deren Veränderung, aber auch über die Möglichkeiten, die uns zur Verfügung stehen, um eben etwas zu ändern sei es im Kleinen oder auch im Großen. Und er zeigt, dass nicht nur eine Gruppe Änderungen vornehmen muss sondern wir alle.
Fazit:
Knackig auf den Punkt
Ein Klimaexperte stellt seine Sicht der Dinge vor und zwar nicht nur was die aktuelle Situation angeht. Er hält eine Rückschau, aber er schaut auch in die Zukunft und zeigt Szenarien auf wie es sein könnte, wenn wir alle was tun oder auch wenn wir alle nichts tun. Er legt auch den Finger in die Wunde der Klimaleugner, die alles auf normale Wetterlagen schieben aber eben sachlich.
Meine Meinung:
Selten habe ich ein Buch gelesen, dass in dieser Art und Weise geschrieben wurde. Viele, viele kurze, aber sehr knackige Sätze, die vieles auf den Punkt bringen. Der Autor schafft es auch in der Kürze des Buches einen Abriss über die Entstehung der Welt, über deren Veränderung, aber auch über die Möglichkeiten, die uns zur Verfügung stehen, um eben etwas zu ändern sei es im Kleinen oder auch im Großen. Und er zeigt, dass nicht nur eine Gruppe Änderungen vornehmen muss sondern wir alle.
Fazit:
Knackig auf den Punkt
August 3, 2023
A great little read, concise and to the point.
While some points I would've liked to be explained in more detail, it's straight to the heart of the matter style makes this 'the climate change book'.
Its matter of fact deliver makes it understandable to many and useful for any context, beit a casual conversation, a twitter debate or speaking on BBCs question time. Each paragraph is a dart striking the balloon of misinformation and climate denial. Its nice to read something that strips away pretension in favour of relatable text -- this is how you spread your message.
Some sections could be picked apart, for example the strive for complete vegan diet. These are points are easily to deflect with nonsense, and whilst worth being in the book, are arguements not worth bring up. The flexiterian model is more achievable.
Despite this, if you want to know more about climate change, how you can help as a person, through business and policy, this book covers all.
While some points I would've liked to be explained in more detail, it's straight to the heart of the matter style makes this 'the climate change book'.
Its matter of fact deliver makes it understandable to many and useful for any context, beit a casual conversation, a twitter debate or speaking on BBCs question time. Each paragraph is a dart striking the balloon of misinformation and climate denial. Its nice to read something that strips away pretension in favour of relatable text -- this is how you spread your message.
Some sections could be picked apart, for example the strive for complete vegan diet. These are points are easily to deflect with nonsense, and whilst worth being in the book, are arguements not worth bring up. The flexiterian model is more achievable.
Despite this, if you want to know more about climate change, how you can help as a person, through business and policy, this book covers all.
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