Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.

Geoengineering Earth's Climate

Resetting the Thermostat

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available
Most scientists agree that Earth is warming rapidly. Glaciers are melting and rising seawaters are submerging islands and coastal cities. In the coming decades, millions will likely have to escape extreme weather caused by climate change. Some scientists say we need to act faster and with radical new technologies—now—to save our planet. They propose geoengineering, or "engineering Earth," to reset our global thermostat. Ideas include thickening clouds with chemicals to reduce the amount of sunlight and pulling carbon dioxide from the air with machines. However, critics say that geoengineering could backfire and create even worse weather. Is geoengineering too risky? Or is it our best hope of survival?
  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

  • Formats

  • Languages

  • Levels

  • Reviews

    • School Library Journal

      October 1, 2017

      Gr 9 Up-Swanson explains the impacts of climate change, particularly the warming caused by carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The author discusses how increased greenhouse gases contribute to powerful storms, extreme droughts, record temperatures, and melting ice sheets. Although replacing fossil fuels with renewables can help, some climatologists and engineers think more decisive action may be required. They are developing technologies that could alter Earth's existing systems to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide. Swanson explains theories behind and potential implementation of strategies such as reforestation, carbon capture and sequestration, ocean fertilization, and solar radiation management. The pros and cons related to each are presented along with discussions on current controversies and difficulties related to the implementation of such technologies. Diagrams help explain concepts such as the biological and industrial carbon cycle and the geological carbon cycle, but the dense text and unfamiliar concepts require patient, committed reading. VERDICT Researchers will appreciate this sobering, weighty overview of an important and controversial topic.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato

      Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • Kirkus

      September 1, 2017
      How can we turn Earth's temperature down? An author of nonfiction for young readers on a wide range of topics takes on the controversial subject of geoengineering: purposeful human efforts at global climate change. With clear, information-packed exposition organized into short chapters and broken up with subheadings, diagrams, and photographs, she moves from a general overview and history to a consideration of two specific areas: carbon-dioxide removal and sun shields. She explains the greenhouse effect, the biological, industrial, and geological carbon cycles, photosynthesis, and the effects of ocean acidification and algal blooms. She talks about the importance of balance: avoiding efforts that will tip the climate from too warm to too cold. She points out the possibility that large-scale solar-radiation management could lead to a de-emphasis on reducing the amount of greenhouse gases being added to the atmosphere. Most importantly, she states that these global solutions are extremely controversial. Methods suggested so far would be expensive, possibly wildly impractical, and likely to have unintended consequences. But, she argues, quoting some of the researchers she consulted, continuing to explore these possibilities is vital in the face of the overwhelming evidence that our climate is changing for the worse. Occasional proofreading slips don't dampen the importance of this compact overview, a good starting place for teen readers and researchers on a critical issue. (source notes, glossary, selected bibliography, further information, index) (Nonfiction. 13-18)

      COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

    • The Horn Book

      January 1, 2018
      This well-researched and clearly formatted book outlines some of the most modern theories and research about possible solutions to climate change. The narrative, supported by relevant photographs and diagrams, introduces the problem then organizes potential solutions by category, with explorations of pros and cons included. Inserts and sidebars provide additional facts on related topics. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

      (Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • ATOS Level:8.2
  • Lexile® Measure:1140
  • Interest Level:6-12(MG+)
  • Text Difficulty:7-9

Loading