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4.31 AVERAGE
4.31 AVERAGE
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
This was tough for me to rate, so I settled on the mid-point of 3 stars. It was an important, though not particularly enjoyable, read about climate change. While I appreciated the author's thorough and detailed history of various climate events (wildfires, floods, etc.), I really only liked the last chapter of the book, which summarized his main points. This is one of those rare books that I would have preferred to just read in a much more concise article format.
informative
medium-paced
Timely and extremely informative. The information given in the case studies was compelling. I was very frustrated with the final analysis, which felt like it amounted to "We've got to stop CO2 emissions immediately." Although I agree with the thesis, I was hoping for something more substantive. I guess, though, that much like the bleakness of the book itself, the reality is that until governments take it seriously - nothing changes.
A really great, detailed account of the ways in which climate change is already affecting much of America and demographic patterns. Each chapter recounts a different climate disaster in a unique city and region. The stories manage to balance complex political processes with deeply personal stories. Even patterns of drought, which may initially seem less destructive, affect communities, housing markets and individuals in heartbreaking ways. The book does not end on a dismal note, though and instead looks to ways the law can provide for climate refugees while creating “resilience” for communities most at risk. The world may look different in the coming years (Ohio may be a hot real estate spot!), but there are ways to prevent suffering and death.
My only regret with this book was listening on audio rather than reading physically as I sometimes zoned out during discussions of FEMA policy and because I wish I could’ve annotated the book.
My only regret with this book was listening on audio rather than reading physically as I sometimes zoned out during discussions of FEMA policy and because I wish I could’ve annotated the book.
informative
medium-paced
I never really dipped my toe in books about climate change. Thinking about it makes my existential dread worst. If you're like me, don't sleep on this book! Jake Bittle highlights human resiliency, and recommendations for policy changes. If you're planning to move or buy a house this book should be required reading.
I've lived in geographic area where flooding and forest fires are now the norm. As Americans we need to understand about the home insurance industry. It was refreshing to read about possible solutions on how we must adapt to warming ocean waters.
I've lived in geographic area where flooding and forest fires are now the norm. As Americans we need to understand about the home insurance industry. It was refreshing to read about possible solutions on how we must adapt to warming ocean waters.
informative
reflective
Sea levels are rising while places like Arizona are using up water faster than it can be replenished. Tropical storms destroy coastal areas while wildfires leave entire towns in ashes. If you're still denying climate change, I'm sure there's some rightwing propaganda you can go read, but if you want to put a human face on climate refugees and get a general idea of the patterns of climate-caused migration in the United States, this is worth a read.
I read this to my husband over the course of several long drives. Although we have drought issues and second-hand effects of wildfires, we've remained fairly untouched thus far. The author introduced us to people from various parts of the country (Florida, North Carolina, California, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, and Virgina) who have been unhoused due to tropical storms, rising sea levels & coastal erosion, floods, wildfires, and drought, some of whom relocated and some of whom have chosen to stay and rebuild. Some of the stories are just heart-breaking. There was one man who suffered loss after loss, and I was waiting for the author to announce that he ended his own life. (He didn't, but there are secondary "characters" -- for lack of a better term -- that do. This is not a light-hearted read.) In addition to the humans dealing with loss of home, property, and even culture, Bittle examines the cost of rebuilding and restoring people's lives. Is that cost worth it? At what point does it become unsustainable for people to keep rebuilding or repairing in the Florida Keys, in fire-prone areas of the west coast, in flood-prone parts of Houston, in Norfolk? And if we declare parts of the country uninhabitable, where will people go?
Overall, I thought this was worth the hours spent reading. The scientist hubs and I both found it informative and thought-provoking.
I read this to my husband over the course of several long drives. Although we have drought issues and second-hand effects of wildfires, we've remained fairly untouched thus far. The author introduced us to people from various parts of the country (Florida, North Carolina, California, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, and Virgina) who have been unhoused due to tropical storms, rising sea levels & coastal erosion, floods, wildfires, and drought, some of whom relocated and some of whom have chosen to stay and rebuild. Some of the stories are just heart-breaking. There was one man who suffered loss after loss, and I was waiting for the author to announce that he ended his own life. (He didn't, but there are secondary "characters" -- for lack of a better term -- that do. This is not a light-hearted read.) In addition to the humans dealing with loss of home, property, and even culture, Bittle examines the cost of rebuilding and restoring people's lives. Is that cost worth it? At what point does it become unsustainable for people to keep rebuilding or repairing in the Florida Keys, in fire-prone areas of the west coast, in flood-prone parts of Houston, in Norfolk? And if we declare parts of the country uninhabitable, where will people go?
Overall, I thought this was worth the hours spent reading. The scientist hubs and I both found it informative and thought-provoking.
challenging
informative
reflective
fast-paced
informative
medium-paced
Meticulously researched and clearly written accounts of climate change-induced displacement occurring across the U.S. A moving and incredibly important book, especially the final chapter, which includes concrete recommendations for climate adaptation moving forward. A must-read.