This is a Book review of "How To Be A Humankind Superhero" by Harold Forbes.
I’m one of those people that finds it difficult to concentrate on a book unless it’s a story and has a very clear beginning and end so the idea of reading a book on climate change, which obviously has no ending (yet!) was a little frightening. I also find lists of facts and statistics as easy to read as ancient Greek, backwards, upside down and on the ceiling. But, hurrah! How To Be A Humankind Superhero was easy to read and I whizzed through it.
It is written very clearly and with lots of relevant and suitable explanations when the science gets a bit too complicated. But it isn’t just science. It touches on philosophy, sociology, history and, funnily enough, ancient Greece. To talk you through what you can do to become a Humankind Superhero, Harold Forbes relates what we need to do with Hercules Labours (if you don’t know your ancient Greek, Hercules got set a variety of labours to prove his strength, courage, skill and determination).
Rather than focus on what will happen in the future if we don’t do anything, the book gives details about what each individual and community can do to lower carbon emissions and ultimately stop global warming. These ranged from the easily do-able to the superhero tasks that require a bit more Herculean determination, giving practical advice and people to contact. Talking about everything from recycling and using your home to create energy to who are the worst world offenders and how to thwart them (seriously though, his solutions are simple and well-though through, not just a few radical ideas thrown into mix).
It's all too easy to self-righteous when discussing climate change but this book has missed both these dangers. I definitely feel more knowledgeable about the risks, the history, the plans and the arguments behind climate change and, pretty importantly, I know what I can do to play my part in correcting it. It has great advice for home improvements and plenty of tips on speaking to your local authorities and MPs. And it is packed full with astounding and scary facts. If you are like me and are easily put off by non-fiction and worried about reading a book that lectures you then put your fears aside and give this a read! I guarantee you’ll feel more passionate and positive about what you can achieve.
http://www.dothegreenthing.com/blog/how_to_be_a_humankind_superhero
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