Guide sets crisis in context
2008-01-31 14:12
London - The Rough Guide series of
books has long given budget travellers detailed insights into
the customs and cultures of the countries they visit.
A new addition to the series instead gives a panoramic view
of the climate troubles facing the entire planet.
"This is intended as a one-stop-shop for information on
climate change," said Robert Henson, climate journalist and
author of The Rough Guide to Climate Change. "It is meant as something you dip into for information."
"This is not aimed at the converted, they already know the
details of what is happening, and it is not intended to convert
those who refuse to accept there is a problem. This speaks to
the uncommitted," he said.
Scientists say global average temperatures will rise by
between 1.8 and 4.0 degrees Celsius this century due mainly to
burning fossil fuels for power and transport.
They warn that ice caps will melt, sea levels will rise,
extreme weather events will become more frequent and more
violent and the lives of millions of people will be put at risk.
"This is a mammoth problem that requires a mammoth response
from governments, corporations and individuals," said Henson.
The second edition of the book published this week includes
the comprehensive scientific findings last year of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and comes as major
polluting nations gather in Hawaii to discuss action.
The 374-page guide sets out the problem, looks at its causes
and effects, rehearses the arguments for and against, and offers
some technical solutions.
Aware that the sheer scale of the climate crisis can make
people feel they as individuals can make no difference or that
there is no point in acting as the result is inevitable, Henson
also offers options everyone can exercise.
Buying less bottled water - 150bn litres are sold
each year and some travels very long distances - eating less
meat because 18% of climate gases come from livestock,
and switching to low energy light bulbs are among suggestions.
Flying less and staying longer, turning off appliances left
in energy-consuming standby mode and leaving the racing driver
in everyone at home when taking to the roads, are some other
proposals Henson makes.
"This is a classic example of an issue where immediate
gratification can be hard to come by. In some cases the results
of actions now may not be seen for decades," he said.
"The upshot of this is that we have to take satisfaction
where we can and do things that we know will help in the long
run but give a modicum of satisfaction right now.
"Changing light bulbs is an example. It helps in the long
run, is a visible symbol that you have done something and saves
money on the monthly electrical bill," he added.