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Title: Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change
ISBN: 1596911255
Author:
Elizabeth Kolbert
Publicate Date: 2006-03-07
Publish: 2006-03-07
List Price: $22.95
Average Customer Rating: 4.5
Format: Hardcover
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $6.00
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $3.25
Amazon Merchant Price: $15.61
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| Customer Review: |
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1: Well-Meaning But Abortive Book
Climate change is the central issue of our time. Any book that raises public consciousness about it is a good thing. To its credit, "Field Notes From a Catastrophe" does help the cause by educating lay readers about the basics of climate change. However, it never really makes the transition from a series of New Yorker articles to a full-blown book. It consists mostly of human interest stories about climate researchers and the impact of global warming in places like Alaska and Iceland. These vignettes would be easily digestible on a subway or in a doctor's waiting room, but we expect more from a book. The reading non-science-educated public (which includes me) can handle more than this.
One good chapter tells how scientists discovered that carbon dioxide levels can raise or lower the global temperature equilibrium. There's another good chapter on the incredible mendacity and short-sightedness of the Bush Administration (may it rest in peace forever). Every American should read these sections, since we are the largest emitter of greenhouse gases and the greatest obstacle to international action. The rest of the book, however, is little more than disposable science journalism.
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2: A short, loud, urgent warning
Little by little the skeptics of global warming are falling away. Let's hope this brief and very persuasive book shakes loose a few more of them, because Kolbert, an unbiased reporter and one of the best non-fiction writers of English today, makes it clear that the time to act on anthropogenic climate change is ten years ago. Were it not that the subject matter is inherently depressing, this book would be a sheer pleasure to read---and as it is, it can and should be read by everyone who has a middle school diploma. If you are considering buying it, stop reading the reviews right now and make the purchase. Then read it and pass it on.
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3: A must!!!
A small book, but big in content! If you are looking for that book that can summarize this ever growing problem, this is it. The writting is simple and to the point, no fluff.
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4: Best book on climate change I've found
If you're looking for a book that is a great read on climate change but doesn't necessarily go into every nook and cranny of the subject, this is the one for you. Kolbert is a fantastic writer and reporter and this subject is incredibly compelling. She makes it understanable and approachable. I had a very strong emotional reaction to this book. It's absolutely terrifying but, at the same time, Kolbert writes so well that it was an enjoyable read. I actually bought 15 copies to give to friends and family!
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5: Compelling Scientific Evidence, Engaging Human Stories
A masterful work of science and nature writing. In clear, sensible prose, Elizabeth Kolbert presents the undeniable evidence that human-controlled emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere is destroying our climate and ecosystems. Despite this grim fact (and the Bush administration's continued denial of such scientific evidence), Kolbert's tone is measured and far from shrill. In fact, she manages to find beauty, humor, and friendship in her travels around world, talking with those who are at the forefront of trying to curb this dangerous trend. The chapters on Iceland's melting glaciers and Burlington, Vermont's local efforts to reduce its emissions are especially engaging. Highly recommended reading.
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