Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Demystifying Climate Change: An Energy Story on Science, History, Threats, and Opportunities

An astounding cultural shift took place 150 years ago. Good science, hard work, and innovation propelled humanity into a world of convenience, comfort, and health that kings of old could never have imagined. It also cast a long shadow. Today, we stand at a cross-road. Will we continue to limit ourselves to 19th century fossil fuel inefficiencies and pollution, thereby denying future generations the affluence we enjoy? Or will we gather the courage to move into a cleaner, safer more abundant solar powered world? Using historical anecdotes as well as modern story-telling and basic science, this book describes how humans are changing the chemistry of our air and oceans. The great life-giving cycles that maintain a livable environment are being altered, causing wide range of consequences. Serious as the situation is, it is also an opportunity. Very real solutions, both technological and economic are addressed. There is a promising future that awaits if we, as a species, are willing to take on the challenges of growth and change. Review As a high school government teacher, I recognize there is no issue more central to the world our students will inherit than global warming. Addressing the human, environmental and economic impacts of a changing climate, Jeffrey and Margaret have written the essential primer for informed citizen involvement. They explain the science and historical context of our energy systems followed by a clear-eyed perspective on personal and policy choices before us. This book is ready-made for classroom use, book clubs, and community workshops. Most importantly, the Loehrs write with humor, generosity, honesty and hope. I look forward to sharing the lessons in Demystifying Climate Change with my students and fellow teachers.--Lori Jablonski, Instructor in History and International Studies Program, C.K. McClatchy High School, Sacramento, CA Demystifying Climate Change is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the scientific, historical, political, and economic implications of this most urgent issue. As a high school science teacher I am particularly excited about the book's potential as a resource for educators. In everyday language and an entertaining style, the Loehrs lay out the information we need to help our students (and ourselves!) make sense of this complex issue. I highly recommend the book for any concerned citizen, but it is especially well-suited for use by teachers, down to the bulleted summaries and thought-provoking discussion questions at the end of each chapter.--Elizabeth Coleman, Biology Teacher, C.K.McClatchy High School, Sacramento, CA Maybe the perfect person to explain and demystify climate change is a former high school science teacher. Margaret and Jeff have collaborated to explain everything from the basics of energy to the latest proposals for a carbon tax in a way that is approachable, straightforward, and easy to follow. It's perfect for someone that wants a thorough understanding of the most consequential issue that mankind has ever faced.--Steve Richard, Founder of Sustainable Lafayette and Regional Leader for the Climate Reality Project Demystifying Climate Change is a comprehensive breakthrough book, which was long overdue. Jeffery and Margaret did an outstanding job of articulating the challenges and opportunities of Climate Change. Readers will find Demystifying Climate Change well laid out, fact based, thoroughly researched, and easy to read. A must read for all students of environmental sustainability and industrial ecology.--Sam Geil, Founder, International Green Industry Hall of Fame This book takes climate disruption, a subject historically riddled with pervasive confusion and despair, and walks the reader through the science and the impacts with effortlessness, wit, and-- most refreshingly-- with hope.--Seth B. Darling, Author of "How to Change Minds About Our Changing Climate" About the Author Jeffrey Loehr is a strategy