When The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change was first published in 2014, it offered something entirely new: a fun, illustrated guide to a planetary crisis. If that sounds like an oxymoron, you鈥檝e never seen the carbon cycle demonstrated through yoga poses or a polar bear explaining evolution to her cubs.
That creativity comes from the minds of Yoram Bauman, the world鈥檚 first and only 鈥渟tand-up economist,鈥� and award-winning illustrator Grady Klein. After seeing their book used in classrooms and the halls of Congress alike, the pair has teamed up again to fully update the guide with the latest scientific data from the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).
A lot has happened to the climate over the last decade, and the authors tackle the daunting statistics with their trademark humor. They realize it鈥檚 better to laugh than cry when confronting mind-blowing facts about our changing world. Readers will become familiar with critical concepts, but they鈥檒l also smile as they learn about climate science, projections, and policy.
Sociologists have argued that we don鈥檛 address climate change because it鈥檚 too big and frightening to get our heads around. The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change takes the intimidation and gloom out of one of the most important challenges of our time.
"The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change engages with the scientific, social, political and economic dimensions of climate change with the aim of both entertaining and informing its readers, adopting an accessible and engaging language accompanied by visuals….The choice to use playful vignettes, stories and characters makes the book unique compared to other essay-style/non-fiction books dealing with climate change that have been published in recent years….[It] skillfully brings the reader from reality to hyperbole, showing the complexity of tackling climate change and its paradoxes with clarity."鈥�Journal of Human Rights and the Environment
"I know we're trashing the planet, but do we have to add to our misery by reading gloom and doom books about it? The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change offers another way: learn some serious science, evaluate strategies for change, and have a good laugh in the process."鈥擜nnie Leonard, creator of "The Story of Stuff"
"Are you curious about the science and economics of global warming? You can find many dull books on the subject. A better bet is The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change, which tickles and teaches at the same time. Who says that sophistication is only in equations?"鈥擶illiam Nordhaus, Sterling Professor of Economics, Yale University
"A clear, concise rendition of the story of human-induced climate change, candid and yet brimming with warm-hearted humor and well-founded optimism. Gently persuasive, beautifully illustrated... an innovative springboard for discussion of what we can do as individuals and as a society to turn down the heat in our planetary 'compost pile.'"鈥擩ohn Michael Wallace, Professor Emeritus, Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington
"Climate is no laughing matter — but it beats crying. Maybe this is the secret passage into people's hearts and minds."鈥擩ames E. Hansen, former Director, Goddard Institute for Space Studies, author of "Storms of My Grandchildren"
"Fresh! Cheeky! Accurate and inspiring! An accessible, friendly, and fun explanation of climate change – free of politics, free of jargon, and fresh with insights. Cartoons you can believe in!"鈥擩ane Lubchenco, Wayne and Gladys Valley Professor of Marine Biology, Oregon State University
"Grady Klein and Yoram Bauman are a national treasure. The economics of climate policy has never been more accessible."鈥擪evin Hassett, Senior Fellow and Director of Economic Policy Studies, American Enterprise Institute
"The Cartoon Introduction to Climate Change will tickle your fancy while expanding your mind. Highly recommended."鈥擬artin Weitzman, Professor of Economics, Harvard University
"Rarely do you read books that attempt to deal with the world's biggest problems and present the information in a way that the average public can absorb it. Bravo to Yoram Bauman and Grady Klein, and thank you on behalf of everyone who is deeply concerned about this issue."鈥擬ark Reynolds, Executive Director, Citizens Climate Lobby
