Robert Henson (1) (1960–)

It's nice to see a book which actually lays forth the scientific evidence for climate change and why it is happening in straightforward, easy to follow text and data. Aimed at general readers, this sort of book should put to rest any of the garbage climate change deniers spew out. Unfortunately the people who should most read this book are the least likely to. Glenn Beck won't tell them to, that's for sure.

Thorough, well-organized and written, The Rough Guide to Climate Change works as both a cover-to-cover read and as a reference book. The science, history, and politics of climate change are presented in an engaging style. After reading this, you'll come away well-equipped to debate, possibly influence, or just have an interesting conversation about our Earth.

Before reading (most of) this book, the Rough Guides were an introduction to a place before visiting or a genre of music before listening. So having a guide to a an idea or a theory is different yet extremely effective. Henson's book is thorough, balanced, and very easy to read. The organization is decent, but given anything as daunting as climate change, it feels like it could use more structure, if anything as a parallel for being able to intellectually structure the various considerations show more and impacts of the phenomenon. Nevertheless it's a great reference and should be required reading for doubters (though they'll probably continue their opposition based on politics over scientific belief) and especially for those who want to learn more about climate change and what they can do to help alleviate its impact. Depressing at times, I'm still glad I received this Early Reviewer book. show less

Fascinating, clear, concise, well-written ... this book is one of the best books at climate change that I have seen! Easy to read and understand, it breaks down the complicated science into digestible chunks useful for understanding and relaying in conversation. While I was quite knowledgeable about the basic anti-change arguments and retorts, this book gives a full account of the many myths and why they are incorrect. If you know a climate denier, gift them this book (and make them promise show more to read it) and if they aren't convinced after finishing it, then they are an unreasonable person whom you should cut all ties with.

I do have one complaint about the volume. The layout makes reading choppy because of the constant asides and references that can bounce a reader forward & backward through the book. In some ways, this makes the reader less likely to read the book from cover-to-cover and more likely to want to dip into the parts of interest (while using the references to check out things that interest them or that they need more explanation on).

Overall, a great book and one that should be enjoyed by anyone interested in the environment and the modern world! show less