The Story of More: How We Got to Climate Change and Where to Go from Here by Hope Jahren (2020 nonfiction)
When the Castro Valley Library kicked off our first annual Castro Valley Reads in 2018 we chose the book Lab Girl by Hope Jahren. We were so fortunate to get to meet this accomplished scientist and hear her speak at the program finale. Now you can read more of her work! I highly recommend The Story of More. This is a clear and readable explanation of how we have changed our planet. She examines our ingenuity, enterprising spirit, and our excesses, which have in many cases helped more than 7 billion people live on the Earth while also posing a grave danger to the planet. She mixes heavily-detailed straight talk about climate change with endearing, nostalgic stories from her personal life and work. So while the book is serious, it goes down easy. There are things we can do as individuals and as nations to make sure the Earth remains habitable for humans for many generations. There are things we can do as individuals and as nations to use less and share more with people around the world who have not enjoyed all that we in developed nations have enjoyed. But those things will require tremendous changes to our lifestyle and will not be profitable. Can we do it? Jahren believes we can.
Reviewed by Chris Selig
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