In clear and accessible language, Generation Us explains the phenomenon of global warming, outlines the threat it presents to future generations and offers a path toward solutions to the problem. The reality of global warming has long been accepted within the scientific community, yet it remains a hotly debated topic at the political and social level. Why is this? Is it the fact that the ultimate effects of global warming will not be felt in our lifetimes? Do we really feel no moral responsibility for future generations? Dr. Weaver, one of the world's leading experts in the field, contends that, just as humans have been responsible for creating the problem of global warming, we must also be the solution.
Generation Us: The Challenge of Global Warming (Rapid Reads)
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Review
"Weaver clearly explains what global warming is, suggests reasons why we should care about the issue and offers some solutions to the problems that global warming creates...Provides teachers with a unique tool for introducing information circles and many opportunities to focus on the concept of transforming as a reading strategy. I would also recommend Generation Us as a resource for teachers looking for up to date information on the global warming issue." (Canadian Teacher Magazine 20120301)
"Andrew Weaver is one of the few scientists of his generation with the courage and conviction to put his career on the line and speak out about an issue (climate change) that he understands perhaps better than any other Canadian. For his remarkable work in the field—and for this clear and easily understandable book—we owe him a debt of gratitude." (David Suzuki Author and expert 20110401)
"Generation Us is like a climate change CliffNotes...This is a short, succinct, clear and readable rendering of the science—followed by a passionate appeal for us all to move from "Generation Me" (which really seems to have outlasted its stylishness) to Generation Us, in which we start taking seriously the opportunity we have to mitigate the climate damage that we have already inflicted on future generations...For someone coming to this topic without any science background, GenUs is a perfect introduction—and as such is an important addition to the climate library." (DeSmogBlog.com 20110425)
"Weaver, one of Canada's top climate scientists, offers a discussion of the complexities of global warming, a discussion which is both concise and comprehensive...Teachers and students in senior high (grades 10 through 12) science, geography, and environmental science courses will find this is a useful resource, and senior high school libraries will probably want to acquire more than one copy for their collections. Highly Recommended. " (CM Magazine 20110422)
"An easily understandable account of the science of human-caused climate change...Weaver's writing is restrained. There is not a trace of overstatement. His book is an appeal to the intelligence, and the ethical imperative which underlies it is offered, not demanded." (www.celsias.com 20110612)
"A simply-worded, accessible explanation of climate change science, of the potential impacts of climate change, what we can do about it, and the reasons why we should care...Never until reading this book and talking with Weaver have I thought of global warming as an empowering issue, but that's one of Weaver's talents: communicating the subject of climate change afresh." (Focus Magazine 20110701)
"Andrew Weaver is one of the few scientists of his generation with the courage and conviction to put his career on the line and speak out about an issue (climate change) that he understands perhaps better than any other Canadian. For his remarkable work in the field—and for this clear and easily understandable book—we owe him a debt of gratitude." (David Suzuki Author and expert 20110401)
"Generation Us is like a climate change CliffNotes...This is a short, succinct, clear and readable rendering of the science—followed by a passionate appeal for us all to move from "Generation Me" (which really seems to have outlasted its stylishness) to Generation Us, in which we start taking seriously the opportunity we have to mitigate the climate damage that we have already inflicted on future generations...For someone coming to this topic without any science background, GenUs is a perfect introduction—and as such is an important addition to the climate library." (DeSmogBlog.com 20110425)
"Weaver, one of Canada's top climate scientists, offers a discussion of the complexities of global warming, a discussion which is both concise and comprehensive...Teachers and students in senior high (grades 10 through 12) science, geography, and environmental science courses will find this is a useful resource, and senior high school libraries will probably want to acquire more than one copy for their collections. Highly Recommended. " (CM Magazine 20110422)
"An easily understandable account of the science of human-caused climate change...Weaver's writing is restrained. There is not a trace of overstatement. His book is an appeal to the intelligence, and the ethical imperative which underlies it is offered, not demanded." (www.celsias.com 20110612)
"A simply-worded, accessible explanation of climate change science, of the potential impacts of climate change, what we can do about it, and the reasons why we should care...Never until reading this book and talking with Weaver have I thought of global warming as an empowering issue, but that's one of Weaver's talents: communicating the subject of climate change afresh." (Focus Magazine 20110701)
From the Back Cover
"Andrew Weaver is one of the few scientists of his generation with the courage and conviction to put his career on the line and speak out about an issue (climate change) that he understands perhaps better than any other Canadian. For his remarkable work in the field-and for this clear and easily understandable book-we owe him a debt of gratitude." David Suzuki The reality of global warming has long been accepted within the scientific community, yet it remains a hotly debated topic at the political and social level. Why? Is it because the ultimate effects of global warming will not be felt in our lifetimes? Do we feel no responsibility for future generations? Dr. Weaver contends that, just as humans have been responsible for creating the problem of global warming, we must also be the solution. Dr. Andrew J. Weaver, Canada's top climate scientist, is professor and Research Chair in climate modeling and analysis at the University of Victoria. He was a lead author in the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Lally Grauer
Format:Paperback
Global warming is a large, amorphous and frightening topic. Most of us avoid it. If you want a clear, short read that gives you a handle on global warming, this is the book for you. It explains why and how it is happening and where the most emissions are coming from--and recommends actions and strategies for solving the problem. Excellent for high school students as well as adults. It would be a wonderful Christmas present that would deliver a lot of bang for the buck.
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Robin Glass
Format:Paperback
The first paragraph of this accessible little book states that it will address "...who is right": the warmists or the skeptics. The concept of a clear and concise assessment of differences on scientific issues has great promise. That promise is not met.
Although the book is easy to read and understand, it ignores important scientific questions raised by other reputable scientists in peer reviewed publications. For example, the issue as to the magnitude and direction (negative or positive) of water vapor feedback is pivotal. If Dr Richard Lindzen, the internationally renowned atmospheric physicist at MIT is correct,i.e. the feedback is negative, it follows that global warming is not a significant threat.
How is this crucial subject dealt with in the book? It ignores the issue. The author simply asserts that, "Water vapor provides a positive feedback to climate change". Professor Lindzen's research results,which are supported by work of other prominent peer-reviewed scientists, are not mentioned, much less discussed.
If you are a convinced believer in catastrophic anthropogenic global warming and you want a summary of the warmist perspective, this book may be for you. But if you wish to understand the debate between believers and skeptics, you will have to look elsewhere.
Although the book is easy to read and understand, it ignores important scientific questions raised by other reputable scientists in peer reviewed publications. For example, the issue as to the magnitude and direction (negative or positive) of water vapor feedback is pivotal. If Dr Richard Lindzen, the internationally renowned atmospheric physicist at MIT is correct,i.e. the feedback is negative, it follows that global warming is not a significant threat.
How is this crucial subject dealt with in the book? It ignores the issue. The author simply asserts that, "Water vapor provides a positive feedback to climate change". Professor Lindzen's research results,which are supported by work of other prominent peer-reviewed scientists, are not mentioned, much less discussed.
If you are a convinced believer in catastrophic anthropogenic global warming and you want a summary of the warmist perspective, this book may be for you. But if you wish to understand the debate between believers and skeptics, you will have to look elsewhere.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
5.0 out of 5 stars
2 reviews
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The First Book to Read when Learning about Climate Change
Jun 11 2011
By Scott A. Mandia
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Climate change is the most important issue facing all of us today and tomorrow, therefore it is a topic that we must all try to understand if we are to make educated decisions about our future and the future of the generations that follow. Climate science is complex because it encompasses a wide array of various fields so even a scientist can find it a Herculean task to try to understand. So where does that leave the rest of us who wish to become educated?
Fortunately, Dr. Andrew Weaver has delivered this wonderful little book designed for "climate beginners" that, in just over 100 easy-to-read pages, leaves the reader quite educated about why scientists know humans are causing the planet to warm and the various choices that society must consider in order to deal with the problem.
Weaver begins the book by describing the scientific method. Scientists try to answer questions by forming a hypothesis (prediction), collecting data, and the trying to see if the data supports the hypothesis or not. Weaver then explains the difference between weather and climate - resolving a major point of confusion that has led some to doubt global warming is even occurring. "Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get."
After the opening section, Weaver divides the book into three parts. Part one (What is the Problem?) educates the reader about how scientists know the world is warming and why humans are mostly responsible for that warming. In this part he explains the greenhouse effect, why it takes time for the planet to warm, rising sea levels, the expected increases in droughts and floods, and impacts on various ecosystems worldwide.
In part two (Why Should I Care?) Weaver uses a simple analogy of grazing cattle to show why no single nation can solve the problem but that all nations and all peoples must act together to avoid the "tragedy of the commons". This is an important concept for readers to grasp because often one hears "if the United States puts a price on carbon, China and others will not, and the US will lose jobs and its economic competitiveness." Of course, if each nation keeps pointing the finger at other nations saying, "you go first", nothing ever gets done! In part two Weaver also show how climate change is threatening our health and national security and how there are climate "tipping points" that, once passed, could cause negative consequences to become permanent.
In part three (What Can I Do About It?) Weaver asks the reader to consider this question: Do we have any responsibility for the well-being of future generations? Assuming the reader thinks yes, Weaver explains some of the choices humanity must make to adapt to climate change and to try to mitigate the changes that are expected. Using plain language and superb examples, Weaver describes why we must put a price on carbon and the various ways to do so which include cap and trade, carbon tax, and fee & dividend. Weaver describes how voluntary measures and international treaties have failed to slow carbon emissions and that apathy at elections, especially by our youngest voters, is increasing the likelihood that our future generations will bear a great burden.
Concluding the book, Weaver explains that only through a change in behavior of individuals and of our elected leaders can we assure our future and that of future generations. We must evolve from the Generation Me to the Generation Us.
Fortunately, Dr. Andrew Weaver has delivered this wonderful little book designed for "climate beginners" that, in just over 100 easy-to-read pages, leaves the reader quite educated about why scientists know humans are causing the planet to warm and the various choices that society must consider in order to deal with the problem.
Weaver begins the book by describing the scientific method. Scientists try to answer questions by forming a hypothesis (prediction), collecting data, and the trying to see if the data supports the hypothesis or not. Weaver then explains the difference between weather and climate - resolving a major point of confusion that has led some to doubt global warming is even occurring. "Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get."
After the opening section, Weaver divides the book into three parts. Part one (What is the Problem?) educates the reader about how scientists know the world is warming and why humans are mostly responsible for that warming. In this part he explains the greenhouse effect, why it takes time for the planet to warm, rising sea levels, the expected increases in droughts and floods, and impacts on various ecosystems worldwide.
In part two (Why Should I Care?) Weaver uses a simple analogy of grazing cattle to show why no single nation can solve the problem but that all nations and all peoples must act together to avoid the "tragedy of the commons". This is an important concept for readers to grasp because often one hears "if the United States puts a price on carbon, China and others will not, and the US will lose jobs and its economic competitiveness." Of course, if each nation keeps pointing the finger at other nations saying, "you go first", nothing ever gets done! In part two Weaver also show how climate change is threatening our health and national security and how there are climate "tipping points" that, once passed, could cause negative consequences to become permanent.
In part three (What Can I Do About It?) Weaver asks the reader to consider this question: Do we have any responsibility for the well-being of future generations? Assuming the reader thinks yes, Weaver explains some of the choices humanity must make to adapt to climate change and to try to mitigate the changes that are expected. Using plain language and superb examples, Weaver describes why we must put a price on carbon and the various ways to do so which include cap and trade, carbon tax, and fee & dividend. Weaver describes how voluntary measures and international treaties have failed to slow carbon emissions and that apathy at elections, especially by our youngest voters, is increasing the likelihood that our future generations will bear a great burden.
Concluding the book, Weaver explains that only through a change in behavior of individuals and of our elected leaders can we assure our future and that of future generations. We must evolve from the Generation Me to the Generation Us.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Generation Us
April 29 2012
By Robena D. Robinett
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Weaver's short text allows students to better understand the complexities of Climate Change. It is straightforward and concise.
I consider it a welcome addition to my classroom library.
I consider it a welcome addition to my classroom library.
›
Go to Amazon.com to see both reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
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