Living with the Planet: Making a Difference in a Time of Climate Change - Softcover

Ruhland, Catherine Von

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0745952550 ISBN 13: 9780745952550

Publisher: Lion Books, 2008

Synopsis

Living with the Planet takes a step back from immediate, local matters to remind us of our global interconnectedness. Beginning with an overview of the Earth, its atmosphere and oceans, Catherine von Ruhland takes a detailed look at each continent, covering pertinent issues such as global warming, deforestation, resource exploitation and threatened wildlife. A 'Taking Action' section at the end of each chapter offers a wealth of suggestions for what we can do to make a positive difference. Complete with colour illustrations throughout, this book is a vital read for anyone who wants to learn more about the state of our world and the already visible effects of climate change. Living with the Planet includes: background information on the Earth, its atmosphere and oceans; a continent-by-continent look at the effects of climate change; suggestions for steps we can take to make a positive difference; boxed texts detailing the lives of notable environmentalists, success stories of once-threatened species and important background information; full-colour illustrations and maps.

About this title

About the Author

Catherine von Ruhland has worked in the editorial departments of Tear Fund, the Evangelical Alliance and HarperCollins Publishers among others, and has been a journalist and writer for over 20 years, especially on green issues. She has contributed to the Church Times and Third Way and featured on BBC local and national radio including Woman's Hour, The Jeremy Vine Show and World Service. She is the author of Going Green: A Christian Guide.

Reviews

Adult/High School—Von Ruhland provides a wide-angle snapshot of the environmental condition of the Earth. She makes the case that acting locally is not going to be enough to turn climate change around, that we must demand international solutions to international problems. The author argues that human demands for energy, meat, milk, and water are contributing to environmental crisis and that fast-industrializing countries such as Brazil and China are accelerating it. The organization of the book makes for ease of use for student researchers. The chapters move from the Earth's atmosphere to the oceans and to each of the continents. The most pressing issues are discussed, including ozone depletion; rising sea levels and temperatures; the expanding Sahara Desert causing drought, famine, and political chaos in Africa; the disappearance of permafrost in Europe; the increase of weather-related "natural" disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in North America; loss of rainforest in South America; and more. Each chapter features a portrait of an environmental activist such as Rachel Carson and Chico Mendes. These portraits not only pay tribute to their contributions, but also serve to remind readers that well-informed, passionate individuals can make a difference. Each chapter ends with a list of recommendations for improving the environment. The majority tend toward the tame: consult this or that Web site, eat more Brazil nuts, etc. The book is illustrated with stunningly beautiful nature photographs as well as horrifying pictures of environmental disasters. Extensive bibliographical references and a useful index are appended.—Paula Dacker, Charter Oak High School, CA
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Edition details

• Publisher: Lion Books
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0745952550
• ISBN 13: 9780745952550
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224