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The ABCs of Global Warming

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Member Reviews

The ABCs of Global Warming by Charles Siegel

9781941667194

106 Pages
Publisher: Omo Press
Release Date: January 11, 2021

Nonfiction, Climate Change, Weather, Environmental Science, Climatology, Environmental Issues

The book is divided into the following parts.

Part 1: The Science Is Clear
Part 2: The Dangers Are Frightening
Part 3: The Solutions Are Available
Part 4: The Deniers Are Ignorant

I was blown away by the amount of scientific data included in this book. There are measurements of environmental conditions prior to the industrial revolution. The hurricanes, heat waves, heavy rains, wildfires, etc. are all signs of climate change. I do not know how people can say it does not exist. We see changes every year.

The author has divided the book into clear topics and provided actual data with dates of events. His style is easy to read and understand. For anyone questioning climate change and/or global warming, this book is proof that our weather is indeed changing for the worse.

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Great science but very hard to read. Lots of statistics, which are very interesting but decreases the readability. I think this is for more seasoned persons when it comes to science and climate change rather than a normal person looking to learn more.

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In the past, I haven't reviewed books that I haven't read. But, I have changed my mind. Firstly, I think that the fact that I couldn't finish a book is a valid criticism, and this is where we give feedback to the publisher. Secondly, I need to get my score up. I will not post this anywhere else but here. My rating will be based on what other people would think about this work.

I read about 30% of this work. It would be a great introduction to the subject. However, it felt a little simplistic. It would be a great book to keep on your desk and use as a reference text.

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Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this work.

I've read a number of books in the last 18 months or so on Climate Change Science. I'd highly recommend this one. It's very accessible and readable. It's the kind of book that you buy a few copies of and give to you (skeptical) friends. Anyone needing a primer on this subject should read this. Worth the time. And is there any topic other than Covid more important?

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A slim handbook, with an important bibliography, on the theory and practice of climate change, simple enough so that even those without a solid scientific basis can understand the reasoning behind it and why those who deny the problem are either wrong or lying (knowing they are lying). A must-have in your library.

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This book gave a clear and concise explanation of the science, problems and solutions for climate change. As a science teacher myself, I thought this book would work well if I were teaching climate change to high school students. It’s easy to understand and has great explanations and examples.

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This is an elementary/basic read of what climate change is as well as the causes and possible solutions. A high school student could read this and understand it. That said, the writing has an awkward, clumsy feel about it. Some of it is the word choice while other times it is the expression of conclusions that are either circular or are made without an adequate foundation. There is a distinct political bias as well though this is understandable. I cannot say that it is a scientific book. Science is in there but the author concludes a lot without showing the work behind it. This may have been the intent as the book essentially is a primer into climate change and the necessity to act now and the results that can be expected. Some of the sources such as frequent citing to Wikipedia are questionable as well.

Extremely troubling to me was the lack of any author bio particularly given that he has written other books a diverse set of topics.

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The ABCs of Global Warming by Charles Siegel is billed as the most concise, readable and complete work about the climate emergency that is upon us. It is a timely book in that we have just undergone a change in administration here in the United States and we will see what the Biden administration does about global warming. We know they have already rejoined the Paris accord.

The book is also billed as the quickest, easiest way to learn everything one needs to know about global warming using easy to understand language without jargon. It purports to explain three things. One, the science; two, the dangers; and three, the solutions. The description of the book suggests that if you want more complete knowledge, then this would be a good volume to buy. And finally, if you are looking for the perfect gift for the global warming denier in your life, then this is the book for you.

There are a number of problems with this book that make me incredibly unenthusiastic about it and I am unable to recommend purchase of the book. First, the description suggests that it explains the science behind climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, and the impact upon the earth's temperature and warming because of human emissions and the impact upon natural processes Being a scientist, (although I am not in the area of Earth and Environmental Science), I can appreciate a scientific argument. There is no science in this book and that none of what the author presents as science has principles that are based in the scientific method, which is something that most, if not all of us have learned in grade school.

The scientific method is rather simple. Let's assume we have an idea that we would like to demonstrate is true and we set up an experiment in which we have a hypothesis - the "logical negation" of our idea -that we try to disprove. Siegel does not set up the arguments in this way.

Secondly, one would expect citations and references to the scientific literature. Here is where the book really falls down. While he does have citations and references, they are all to web pages and many are to Wikipedia! When I teach students how to reference web pages, (although I frown upon it), I tell them that they must indicate the date last accessed, because web pages can change. So, here we have a book that is published in January of 2021. By the time of this review in late March, or by the time someone may purchase the book even later, any of the references can and possibly will have changed. The author has not indicated in any way that the date last accessed to these web pages.

So, with respect to the purported explanation of the science, there are two problems. The science is not explained in the basic methods of science - the scientific method. Secondly, the citations and references are not explained correctly.

Item number two in the blurb are the dangers due to climate change and global warming. Siegel lists heat waves, flooding, drought, while fires, rising sea levels, acid oceans, extinctions, poverty, irreversible tipping points, (which I can only assume he gets from Malcolm Gladwell books), can worsen warming. The problem is that these are all consequences, or rather, these are all conclusions that he draws based on his read or interpretation of the science. Siegel has not presented a good argument for the science as I indicated in number one above. I can appreciate many of these phenomena because there is evidence that we have had heat waves, we have had flooding, evidence of drought, wildfires in California, evidence of rising sea levels, evidence of extinction of wildlife, but I do not buy the argument of the irreversible tipping points that can worsen warming. Normally, one would build these conclusions upon the science. But since Siegel's scientific basis is so shaky, his conclusions are equally shaky. Or, the educated reader might cast doubt on on the use, period.

Lastly, point number three is entitled "The Solutions", and Siegel lists such items as a fee on emissions where the revenues are returned to citizens. The transition to electricity and ground transportation may be appropriate. Technological innovations to transportation and emissions offset to reach net zero carbon emission have been presented and discussed in the opinion pages in the newspapers and in Congress, and they make slow progress.

Where I really lost it was the author's ad hominem attack of the 45th president. According to Siegel, things were going to get better when Biden took office. While i may agree with Siegel that the 45th president was not very effective, the hominem attack did not does not have any role in what is purported to be a scientific book that is meant for the general public and especially one that is accessible to everyone - and is a possible gift for the climate denier. I suspect a "Climate Denier" is a supporter of the 45th president and is unlikely to accept the (poor) reasoning in this book. The "Climate Denier would get to the section about the transition of power in Washington and finish or stop reading the book or worse, throw it away, rendering Siegel's argument totally ineffective,

I, for one, as a scientist and engineer would not purchase copies of this book to give to climate deniers in my life. it is almost an embarrassing argument about science and how science is done in universities.

In summary, I applaud Siegel for his effort to try to write a a book on global warming and climate change that is meant to be accessible to the general public and one that those who understand or appreciate the consequences of global warming would consider giving to those who deny global warming and climate change. However, I believe that the book falls short on many accounts, especially the scientific foundations on which the books should be built - and the science is not hard to explain in a relatively easy way. i would encourage the author to consider a second edition or to seek out help to write a second edition and give it another try, but i am unable to be enthusiastic about the current volume.

Thanks to the authors, Omo Press and NetGalley for the copy. I have voluntarily left this review.

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This was quite an informative read!

The author did a really good job at shedding light on a global challenge that is climate change.

As somebody who worked in this field for decades, I would definitely recommend this!

I would like to thank the Publishers, NetGalley, and the Author for sending me a copy of this book.

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Although I LOVE a good post-apocalyptic SF novel, I don’t really want to LIVE that novel. Oh, the difference a simple letter makes. And if only it were that easy to change our lifestyles! I’ve been interested in environmentalism since my preteens in the 70s—back when it when it was called “ecology.” (Far out, man!) And since those days, I’ve always tried to live my life using my best judgment but not knowing a whole lot about best practices. And truth be told, I’ve probably been lax about some aspects when they seem just a little too inconvenient. Or grubby. Or..... insert today’s excuse here.
I want to become more educated about global warming, so I was happy to see this title among my available NetGalley selections to review. It’s a slim volume packed with technical information and organized in a logical fashion. Information has been grouped into 1 the science 2 how these changes to earth impact humanity 3 the solutions, and 4 the deniers.
The prose is, as is often the case in science, as dry as the proverbial Saharan desert; however, it is extremely easy to read. In fact, I think this book would be a valuable and timely addition to a child’s education as well as their parent(s). Key concepts are bolded and all technical jargon is defined. Any accompanying diagrams are likewise, simple and unadorned linear x y charts. It is chock FULL of footnotes for further reading.
I’m not an expert in this field, so I have assume the author and editors have performed their due diligence on the scope, and so I give that five stars. I was also surprised and impressed by the section on nay-sayers. Everyone has a personal bias, and those who are unaware of this need to be educated. What I see as the main drawback of this book is the lack of an extra push to connect with the reader. Superficially to add value of gloss, yes. Like awe-inspiring scenery. A book entitled “ABCs” I would assume to have lots of interesting visuals, Ones designed to engender a personal response (and buy-in) as well as ones that are designed to easily convey technical information, for example similar to the way Charles Joseph Minard’s spectacular graphs portrays Napoleon’s war efforts and losses. I was also hoping to find lists of small ways, incremental ways, practical ways, that everyone can contribute and improve—besides buying an electric car.

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Book Review:

Thank you to Charles Siegel, Netgalley and Omo Press for a free digital copy of “The ABCs of Global Warming.” This book so needed at the current time. With all of the misinformation floating out there and those that still continue to question that there is climate change, this book sets forth the reasons why we can’t deny that it’s true. It really takes a very complicated topics and narrows it down for the everyday reader to understand.

I’ve been reading the studies about climate change and following its development for what feels like decades now. But this book brought insights that had not learned before and great ideas of what needs to be done to help stop the destruction.

For those who don’t understand or if you still have questions, this book is a perfect introduction to this topic in which every human being should be concerned.

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Review of eBook

This book takes a clear, concise look at the issues surrounding global warming: the science, the potentials for disaster, and suggested solutions. Seriously jeopardized by greenhouse gases, Planet Earth’s future lies in the actions of its inhabitants.

Despite deniers, the growing body of evidence, complete with statistics, tables, and charts, is difficult to ignore. The dire evidence: heat waves, destructive storms, flooding and drought, wildfires, melting ice and rising sea levels, acid oceans, and extinctions all testify to the danger of climate change. The cost comes in poverty, food and water shortages, the creation of climate refugees, and ever-more-dangerous risk.

Planet Earth needs her inhabitants to address the issues before it’s too late. Clearly explaining the research, the cause and effect, and the resulting dangers, the author makes a solid argument for immediate action. One possibility suggested for alleviating global warming is the use of pricing emissions. This idea, along with the background and consequences of global warming is thoughtful and compelling, marred only by the author’s brief foray into political commentary.

An extensive reference section is included.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Omo Press and NetGalley
#ABCsGlobalWarming #NetGalley

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There is a great deal of misinformation about climate change being circulated today. This book offers readers an understandable exploration of the science behind climate change, the dangers of not dealing with it, and suggestions for approaches to developing a stable climate.

Siegel's book is very understandable. He has many charts and graphs to visualize his information. And the book is well documented with nearly the last quarter of the book listing the footnotes.

I was impressed with some of the facts he gives, such as arctic ice now covers only half as much area after the summer melt as it did in 1979. (154/1256) The last four decades have seen successive new records for the hottest decade in history. (175/1256)

I like his insights into the current effects of global warming. There is evidence the warming arctic is making the jet stream less stable. A meandering jet stream allows cold air to move much farther south than usual. We have seen this just recently with the freezing temperatures in Texas.

His section on possible solutions is informative. Those unsure of what cap and trade or emissions taxes are and how they would work will find answers here. And, as a bonus, Siegel addresses deniers and reveals their lack of knowledge and understanding of the facts.

I recommend this book as a readable, short, yet very informative book for those who want to understand global warming, the science, the future dangers, and possible solutions.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

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For me, this book is preaching to the choir. But if you need convincing and geek an overload of statistics you will be thrilled to death. My only concern is that the Head In The Sand Skeptics will be too turned off by facts to comprehend that they are prolonging the problem and any chance for recovery. For the rest of us, KEEP TRYING.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from Omo Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

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This book about the dire effects of climate change - effects we have been seeing for some time and are seeing increasingly - does what it says, offering "What Everyone Should Know About the Science, the Dangers, and the Solutions." It keeps it succinct, laying out the facts, backed by copious (200+) references, explaining simply and quickly what the various problems are, dismissing the objections authoritatively, and laying out the do's and don't's of how to fix the problem, rooted in science, not in "I'm in my own reality" speak that a certain thankfully ex-president of the US chose to speak - no doubt for business reasons rather than for any benefit to our planet.

The book is short, easy to understand, and in my opinion, it ought to be essential reading for every student. I commend it as a worthy read.

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This book was well researched, straight forward, and well written. That is, everything a book like this needs to be for it to spread the word about global warming. I hope it is widely read and the messages get through to everyone.

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This was a very easy read on the defining issue for humanity. Hopefully, we do not all die as a result of the selfishness of a very few amount of people at the top.

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Straightforward and concise explanations of the mechanics of global warming. Siegel describes the probable results of continuing warming and spells out the reasons he believes that pricing emissions is the easiest and fastest way to alleviate warming. I definitely have a much better understanding and appreciation of cap and trade after reading this. There is also a section of simple come backs to various arguments of denial. Extensive notes.

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This is a VERY useful guide to the current controversies concerning Climate Change. Siegel's research and layout is impeccable to a novice such as myself. I will share this info with all my family and friends to get us seriously on the page regarding net zero emissions as soon as possible.

Also, Siegel does add hope since this book comes after the 2020 Presidential Election and its fallout. Just one item alone stands out as a new starting point as our new President has rejoined us to the Paris Accord.

Onward and upward, before it's too late. 1% is the future -- if we are to have a future with humans still on planet Earth. (Even better, the possibility of negative net zero emissions. If you do not know this is possible, please read this book if for no other reason. Please. For your sake and for the sake of our future generations.)

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Extremely informative and concise, a great intro for people unfamiliar! I was hoping for a little more nuance though - the research discussed was a bit Western centric!

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