By Grady Klein and Yorum Bauman, Ph.D., the world’s first and only stand-up economist
Island Press, Paperback, 206 pages, $16
Book Review by N.R. Mallery
This is a great book with a different approach to explain climate change — the whys and what it’s all about, as well as solutions. The authors present the material in a way that creates a serious sort of humor to this serious issue that we face today.
Yorum Bauman is a well-respected stand-up economist. He has appeared at energy related events in our region recently, such as at a Jordan Institute celebration in Concord, NH and also at the Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) Annual Conference in Burlington, VT, as the keynote speaker.
Grady Klein is a cartoonist, animator and graphic designer. He has co-authored numerous books and novels.
The authors have created an educational tool for both children and adults, and have done so with a Monty Python appeal that baby boomers might love.
The book covers the history and science behind climate change starting with the Milankovitch cycles and 90-year predicitons that may sound daunting, but by breaking down complex science with accessible comparisons – and good jokes — Bauman and Klein offer practical understanding of climate change and show us that we all need to be better citizens of the world. The content is based on the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report for the scientific data, consequences and insights.
For instance, under the subject, Policies, the authors simply head this section (starting on p. 160) as “…Market-Based Approaches like Carbon Taxes and Cap and Trade Systems.” It is followed by cartoon illustrations that help the reader understand the topic with ‘between the lines’ comments. They go on to explain “The way these policies reduce pollution… is by making polluting expensive.” Drawbacks are also comically illustrated with appropriate comments, again, with examples from British Columbia’s success story. The authors conclude this topic with “…But what they all have in common is that the revenue can be put to good use.” Then the illustration comments, “Those good uses are one of the side benefits of carbon taxes and …in addition to the main benefit of potentially saving the planet.” They then go on to cover Cap and Trade as a separate topic.
The conclusion really nails many practical solutions by “looking at your own life… — at home, around town, on the road and by helping your own community and country by making smart decisions.”
This book is a great read and way to show what the authors state, “It is time to change the world!”
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