Bill McKibben has written a really interesting book entitled EAARTH: MAking a Life in a Touch new Planet addressing climate change issues. His main premise is that we have altered the climate to such an extent that the earth is no longer as it once was and therefore we should call it by a new name. he suggests EAARTH. This change of name is in recognition of the impact that humans have had on the planet. Although this idea is not new since it was first proposed by Paul Crutzen, who suggested that our current geological epoch should be labelled "anthropocene" to "emphasize the central role of mankind in geology and ecology".
McKibben's book is particularly interesting becuase he looks at the likely changes that might happen to the earth if we fail to stabilize concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere at 450 parts per million or below. He was instrumental in the development of the "350.org" group which campaigns for the stabilisation of concetrations of carbon dioxide at 350 parts per million. Sadly, it is not possible anymore to do so since the current overall level is around 435 parts per million, but McKibben argues that if we "keep on as usual" the earth might reach significant rises in global temperature where for example, some areas of the world might become deserts, whilest others might be totally flooded. The redrawing of the map where people could live would cause major economic and social conflicts. The full review of mcKibben's book can be accessed at the New York Review of Books.
McKibbn's book has great ability to communicate the facts and although sometimes the approach is far too much directed to a US audience, it is very much worthwhile reading material if you are wondering why are we covered in snow, when there is supposed to be global warming.
No comments:
Post a Comment