In straightforward if occasionally dense prose accompanied by well-chosen charts, graphs, maps, and photos, Hirsch addresses a range of topics, including the factors leading to climate change and how climate change related disasters, such as wildfires, droughts, and floods, can lead not only to decimated landscapes but crop failures, depleted food sources, and population displacement. Throughout, she highlights individual locations, communities, and personal stories, from post-Katrina New Orleans to an Alaskan village permanently altered by arctic ice melt, thereby illuminating the challenges and consequences of climate change and personalizing the global phenomenon, emotionally and economically. Hirsch also covers current and potential plans to combat climate change, including using renewable energy resources, like wind power, and local efforts, such as a farmer in Africa practicing agroforestry. There's a wealth of information here, and while it's occasionally overwhelming, Hirsch clearly explains the scientific concepts at work in a thought-provoking way. Ideal for research projects, this is a striking look at a very timely topic.

Gr 7 Up-Hirsch reveals how climate change can directly impact human populations on lands currently undergoing environment-related transformations. Hirsch argues that millions are displaced by natural disasters each year and this number will continue to grow owing to rising ocean levels, droughts, melting permafrost, and other environmental changes caused by the effects of global warming. The result of these changes will eventually lead to mass migrations. While climate change is not reversible, Hirsch's outlook is not all gloom and doom. World leaders have the potential to take measures to curb carbon emissions and prepare for an influx of people in need of new homes. This is a well-researched study of an important issue, with full-color photographs, maps, graphs, and charts. The book is broken into five sections, each of which addresses a different aspect of the crisis. The final chapter also presents a future of climate change and climate migration. VERDICT A fitting addition to a classroom or school library. This thorough volume will be useful for reports and discussions on the intersection of environmental and social problems. Kevin McGuire, Woodland Hills School District, PA