A Short, Hopeful Guide to Climate Change

by Oisín McGann

Author Oisín McGann explains Climate Change science, and encourages young people to be part of positive change by getting involved in the global movement to fight humanity’s biggest challenge. This book does not sugarcoat the current climate change crisis, but nor is it all doom and gloom. It gives young people a route to positive change, without putting too heavy a burden on their shoulders. Relentless negative news stories about Climate Change are a source of anxiety for many young people, while others simply disengage from what seems like a hopeless situation. This book presents an optimistic, hopeful vision of a world engaged in a huge collective effort to build a better, more sustainable future for everyone. Published in collaboration with Friends of the Earth Ireland. Vegan inks, sustainably produced with all recycled materials and fully this book is part of the solution.

224 pages, Paperback

Published May 24, 2022

About the author

Born in Dublin in 1973, Oisín spent his childhood there and in Drogheda, County Louth. He started writing and illustrating stories in copybooks when he was about six or seven, setting himself on a path that would steer him well clear of ever obtaining of a proper job.

Despite his writing habit, he spent most of school convinced he was going to become a zoologist, an aspiration he lost after taking his first art exam in third year at St. Olivers Community College. Unable to conceive of a way to make a living from writing fiction after his Leaving Cert., he decided to fund his dreams of being an author by working as an illustrator. He signed up for a design and print foundation course in Ballyfermot Senior College, Dublin, in 1990 and then studied animation at Dun Laoghaire School of Art and Design.

In 1992 he dropped out of college to set himself up as a freelance illustrator/artist, serving the publishing and design industries. In 1997, he took up a position as Background Layout Designer for Fred Wolf films, working on the animated series of Zorro. After completing his contract, he decided to expand his horizons and left for London in February 1998 to seek his fortune. He found gainful employment as a security guard, watching over trains and then hospitals.

In January 1999, he joined the M&M Consultancy, a small advertising and design firm, as art director and soon expanded into copy writing. After three and a half years of working in advertising he became increasingly concerned for his immortal soul. He returned to Ireland in the summer of 2002 much as he had left – with no job, no home and some meagre savings. He set himself up as a freelance illustrator once more, before getting his first books published in 2003.

Oisin now works full-time as a writer and illustrator. He lives somewhere in the Irish countryside, where he won’t be heard shouting at his computer.

Reviews

[Nicola Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an important book and can be read in a couple of hours. I knew little about climate change and, aside from adding my name to plenty of petitions, I didn't expand any energy in learning more about it. However, I am so grateful that I took the time to read this book. I wasn't sure if I would be able to finish it but once I actually opened it up, I got caught up in the stories and the facts and the history and that science thanks to McGann's engaging tone as he describes all that is wrong and all that can be put right in order to allow Mother Nature do her thing and survive intact - like the rest of us.

I'd highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in learning more about the climate crisis but worries that they won't understand what they are reading. This book is perfectly tailored for young and old readers alike and would be a fantastic addition to any school library. I have learned so much and it has really got me thinking about the improvements I can make in my own home.

[Roger DeBlanck · Rating 4 out of 5]

The climate change information compiled in this guide is, of course, vital and urgent. McGann presents the science and history of the climate crisis in an easy-to-absorb fashion, and he is indeed hopeful that we, as a collective world, can address this existential, looming cataclysm. The book is geared towards adolescents and teens, but adults will find it useful. Even though it is written for younger readers, it still comes off a little too chatty for me. Probably for its intended audience, it may sound perfect?

[Beatrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Short, Hopeful Guide to Climate Change is beautifully written and presents a broad range of science-based facts about the current climate crisis in a thoroughly innovative and easy-to-understand format. If you’re suffering from an overload of pessimistic nihilism regarding climate change and are searching for a dose of refreshing optimistic realism, then this is the book for you. With a storytelling sensibility reminiscent of the popular Cosmos series, McGann somehow manages to cover the entire history of the earth from the formation of its atmosphere to the small blip of time humans have actually been around in a way that showcases both the fragile fulcrum of balance our ecosystems depend on and the mind-boggling ingenuity of the human species. Combined with references and explanations of current events and the latest cutting-edge scientific research into combating our warming planet, McGann arms readers with facts while encouraging us to remember that what makes humanity great is the very thing that can save us from ourselves. A link to the author’s website is included at the end of the book containing source materials and references to aid in further research for interested readers.

[Hanneke · Rating 5 out of 5]

So a big chunk of the book is not necessarily hopeful and left me feeling anxious. However, the chapters are very well planned out and the topics are clearly explained. At the end of the book I felt more motivated to continue doing my bit for the planet. I hope many people read this and get inspired.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is gripping, inspiring and so important. It had me hooked and I read it in one sitting. I hope it inspires others to motivate themselves towards change for the better, even if it's just in small ways. We can't do everything when it comes to slowing down global warming but, like this book says, we can all do SOMETHING.

[Ceara Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that has the science explained clearly with some excellent explanations that had me laugh out loud on several occasions. The illustrations are great and the hopeful focus is much needed. Good read for young and old alike!

[Great Books]

Chock full of quirky metaphors, thoughtful warnings, and calls to action, this pithy guide explaining our planet’s bleak state is perfect for budding environmentalists and young activists.

Reviewer #21

[✧⁠*⁠。 · Rating 5 out of 5]

funny + silly guy

[Jane Preen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very insightful and thought provoking

[CCPL Buzz]

RPD