Is It Weather or Is It Climate Change? Answers to Your Questions About Extreme Weather

Need a book about climate change that explains what it is and why it is happening without sending readers into paroxysms of climate-related stress? Is It Weather or Is It Climate Change? Answers to Your Questions About Extreme Weather is the book for you.

In the Introduction, author Rachel Salt sets the stage with the positive words: “Hello, climate champion!”, “Together, we’ll explore”, “But it’s not all doom and gloom!”, “So, buckle up, because we’re going on a wet, windy and wild journey to learn all about climate change and extreme weather!” (p. 9) Young readers will immediately feel engaged and empowered to read on.

The second half of the Introduction page is a text box which includes a picture of a young person seated in a woodland setting. Titled “It’s OK to Take Breaks”, the text includes four suggestions for managing the complex emotions often associated with facing big problems such as climate change: “Talk it out”; “Connect to nature”; “Remember, you are not alone”; and “Take breaks”. (p. 9) Every book about serious issues should address the mental health of the reader this well.

Is It Weather or Is It Climate Change?” is organized into 13 chapters plus an Introduction, Conclusion, Glossary, Resources, and Index. The first six chapters explain what climate change is, why it is happening, and how we know it is real. Readers are warned to “Beware of Climate Lies”. After explaining why some people may be motivated to spread misinformation on purpose, students are always to check if information is real of fake: “Find the source”; “Research the source”; and “Look at other sources”. (p. 17)

Climate change misinformation is a serious problem. It is unwise to assume that the role models in a young reader’s life fully understand how to identify misinformation.

The second half of “Is it Weather or Is it Climate Change?” uses case studies to examine how climate change and extreme weather are impacting seven different locations around the world.

Wildfires, atmospheric rivers and flooding in British Columbia, Canada

Droughts, water security and climate migration in Mexico

Snowstorms, hurricanes and the power grid in Texas, U.S.A.

Heat waves and flooding in Germany

Human health, gender imbalance, drought, and climate conflict in Ethiopia

Melting ice, black carbon and flooding in the Third Pole (Hindu-Kush, Karakoram and Himalaya region)

Wildfires and loss of wildlife in Australia

In addition to the excellent photos, illustrations, and infographics that support and enhance the information throughout the book, each of the case studies also includes a section identifying key adaptations and changes we can make to address and reverse the different climate change and extreme weather problems.

Is it Weather or Is it Climate Change? Answers to Your Questions about Extreme Weather ends very much as it began. “Thank you, climate champion, for taking the time to learn more about climate change!” (p. 55)

“While reading this, new innovations and strategies to make Earth safer for all are happening. May you continue to explore these ideas with curiosity, creativity and passion and help drive positive change.” (p. 55)

I highly recommend Is it Weather or Is it Climate Change? Answers to Your Questions about Extreme Weather. The excellent photos and illustrations help make the information accessible to English as a Second Language learners and those in higher grades struggling with literacy. If your budget allows, maybe you might considering ordering a second copy and sending it to a world leader. Who knows?