Review of Decarbonising Earth
Posted: 02 May 2025, 00:38
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Decarbonising Earth" by Paul Benny.]
Decarbonising Earth: Understanding and Acting on Climate Change is authored by Paul Benny. This book makes us aware of the role of human intervention in disturbing the environmental balance. The book also educates readers on the various means that need to be adopted to slow, pause, and stop this rapid degradation. The book will interest the general population as much as anyone ready to dig into the depths of the subject. Paul lends credibility to the content with his experience as a management consultant for nearly 30 years, with over two decades assisting businesses in integrating sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
The book begins by introducing readers to the science of climate change and the role of human activity in rising carbon dioxide levels from 280 ppm pre-industrial to over 420 ppm today. The author also lists the other greenhouse gases (GHGs) involved. We, as laypeople, sense the change in temperatures and seasons. Many parts of the world have experienced cyclones, hurricanes, floods, and other natural calamities. I was aware of permafrost thawing. Terms like the albedo effect, urban heat islands, and carbon leakage were new to me. Learning about the large-scale biodiversity loss and its cascading impact on ecosystems was alarming. The author highlights how these are the impacts of ‘just’ a 1.2°C change on average since 1880. The author then explains the urgent need to limit this rise to below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C.
The chapters discuss various impacts of our careless attitude on the environment, society, and the economy. The book also highlights that remedial measures pose a fair share of challenges. Thus, the book urges that this has to be dealt with from all possible levels—individuals, businesses, and governments—by implementing small and big measures to tackle this impending doom-like scenario.
I commend the author’s efforts in gathering several resourceful articles in one place. These links also substantiate his statements. The text is presented in easy-to-digest vocabulary and is supplemented with charts and illustrations. The author draws our attention to what constitutes a ‘high-impact story’ for the modern media, urging them to mend their ways and use the powerful medium effectively. The properly marked references, glossary list of acronyms, and an index at the end make it easy to access the resources.
Sadly, the developed/rich countries don’t seem interested in fairly sharing the burden. Most big businesses are more interested in ensuring their profit percentages. Hence, in my eyes, the middle-class people, a big chunk of the population worldwide, hold power. We must switch to a minimalist and sustainable lifestyle: reduce unnecessary consumption and choose to repair and reuse. We must support businesses that are sensitive to environmental conservation. It will force business houses to mend their ways and urge governments to drive policies that align with the demands of the present times. Also, constantly look out for indigenous ways to solve problems and freely share information.
Certain sections overlapped and felt repetitive. I did pick up errors. Though they did not negatively impact my reading experience, I recommend another round of editing. These aspects take away one star. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
If you wish to increase your knowledge of the role of carbon dioxide in climate change and the ways of positive human intervention in simple terms, this book is for you. If you feel ready to dig deep into inferences drawn from well-researched sources, you will find this book resourceful. I recommend this book to everyone interested in learning ways to decarbonize, as the smallest contribution is valuable.
******
Decarbonising Earth
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Decarbonising Earth: Understanding and Acting on Climate Change is authored by Paul Benny. This book makes us aware of the role of human intervention in disturbing the environmental balance. The book also educates readers on the various means that need to be adopted to slow, pause, and stop this rapid degradation. The book will interest the general population as much as anyone ready to dig into the depths of the subject. Paul lends credibility to the content with his experience as a management consultant for nearly 30 years, with over two decades assisting businesses in integrating sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
The book begins by introducing readers to the science of climate change and the role of human activity in rising carbon dioxide levels from 280 ppm pre-industrial to over 420 ppm today. The author also lists the other greenhouse gases (GHGs) involved. We, as laypeople, sense the change in temperatures and seasons. Many parts of the world have experienced cyclones, hurricanes, floods, and other natural calamities. I was aware of permafrost thawing. Terms like the albedo effect, urban heat islands, and carbon leakage were new to me. Learning about the large-scale biodiversity loss and its cascading impact on ecosystems was alarming. The author highlights how these are the impacts of ‘just’ a 1.2°C change on average since 1880. The author then explains the urgent need to limit this rise to below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C.
The chapters discuss various impacts of our careless attitude on the environment, society, and the economy. The book also highlights that remedial measures pose a fair share of challenges. Thus, the book urges that this has to be dealt with from all possible levels—individuals, businesses, and governments—by implementing small and big measures to tackle this impending doom-like scenario.
I commend the author’s efforts in gathering several resourceful articles in one place. These links also substantiate his statements. The text is presented in easy-to-digest vocabulary and is supplemented with charts and illustrations. The author draws our attention to what constitutes a ‘high-impact story’ for the modern media, urging them to mend their ways and use the powerful medium effectively. The properly marked references, glossary list of acronyms, and an index at the end make it easy to access the resources.
Sadly, the developed/rich countries don’t seem interested in fairly sharing the burden. Most big businesses are more interested in ensuring their profit percentages. Hence, in my eyes, the middle-class people, a big chunk of the population worldwide, hold power. We must switch to a minimalist and sustainable lifestyle: reduce unnecessary consumption and choose to repair and reuse. We must support businesses that are sensitive to environmental conservation. It will force business houses to mend their ways and urge governments to drive policies that align with the demands of the present times. Also, constantly look out for indigenous ways to solve problems and freely share information.
Certain sections overlapped and felt repetitive. I did pick up errors. Though they did not negatively impact my reading experience, I recommend another round of editing. These aspects take away one star. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
If you wish to increase your knowledge of the role of carbon dioxide in climate change and the ways of positive human intervention in simple terms, this book is for you. If you feel ready to dig deep into inferences drawn from well-researched sources, you will find this book resourceful. I recommend this book to everyone interested in learning ways to decarbonize, as the smallest contribution is valuable.
******
Decarbonising Earth
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon