Just Cool It

March 20, 2017
Those who feel disempowered by the challenges of climate change will benefit from this carefully argued, accessible primer from Suzuki (The Legacy), a scientist, broadcaster, and prolific writer, and author Hanington (Everything Under the Sun). The authors give an excellent overview of the science behind alarming global weather changes as well as the seemingly intractable obstacles represented by political denial in a fossil fuel–addicted economy. The text easily flows into how personal choices such as non-car commuting, conserving energy, reducing consumption, and making conscious choices that reduce reliance on industrial agriculture can have a collective impact on stemming the tide of global warming. With logical and helpful case studies, they praise the rapidly evolving potential of wind, solar, and geothermal power while dispelling “greenwashing” myths about more traditional energy sources, including nuclear power, biofuels, hydro megadams, and garbage incineration. Most crucially, the authors persuasively argue that the technical know-how for positive, affordable, environmentally friendly solutions already exists, but only an engaged, vocal citizenry will be able to tackle the political and psychological forces that continue to prevent the transition to a sustainable world and stabilized climate.