Climate Adaption is a raw, powerful, and refreshingly honest look at the damaging effects of Western capitalism which has ravaged the planet, its nature, and its people. It offers a different narrative; one which outlines how we can learn to adapt to the inevitable, global changes wrought by the climate crisis. Climate Adaption explores hope, change and the possibilities of a different future; it is the book of our time.

Climate Adaptation is the result of a gargantuan effort from a community passionate about the topic at hand. Written with clarity and confidence, this book is a highly nuanced and holistic interrogation of climate change and the measures needed to mitigate the damage already caused. Upon the foundation of strong empathy, there lies a sense of collectivism in this work that extends beyond humanity itself to the multitude of spheres within nature that are often overlooked and, without a keen eye, may seem irrelevant. Interesting conversations about allyship and intersectionality are woven throughout a comprehensive narrative rich with social, political, geographical and scientific perspectives.

The worldwide climate emergency is now permanently in our public discourse but, frustratingly, there is comparatively little action being taken by the authorities which govern us. As a result, the climate crisis comes hand in hand with a sense of hopelessness. Yet, ‘Climate Adaptations’ fills a much needed void, bringing together proactive voices with actual solutions. The collection, from eighteen experienced and knowledgable contributors of various backgrounds, reveals tried methods of adaptation and constructive bottom-up reevaluations of how we should view not just climate change but society. This is not a step-by-step guide to recycling your cardboard waste but an entire reassessment of how we can approach the ideology and practicalities of the climate crisis – empowering communities. Yet this all comes in a palatable and easy to understand package. You don’t need to be a scientist or sociologist to understand the ideas presented by this collection. It will open your eyes and broaden your mind one chapter at a time and there are real life experiences that show idea as reality. It should also be noted that this book has been carried from conception to publication by a charity publishers, a non-profit organisation that seeks only to build resilience and find solutions for those that would be, and already are, most adversely impacted by the environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change. Published in time with the COP26 climate summit, this collection makes an important contribution to environmental literature and I would highly recommend adding this to your reading list.

This book is jam-packed with different perspectives on climate change, each detailing stories and science on a minute level which is absorbing and interesting to read. One can imagine it lining a number of Christmas stockings this year, having something for everyone. This is because, by hearing from so many voices, the book provides expert information on an array of topics such as overfishing, economies and adaptation without sacrificing the quality or depth of writing. The chapters would not be out of place in a classroom and I hope that the book may find its way into some. I was struck by Karen Scott’s reflection: ‘I’m learning to see and hold in my heart both destruction and regeneration happening at the same time. I’m learning to remember that it’s both/and, not either/or.’ This grappling between acceptance and growth is what the authors interrogate from personal and professional experience successfully, perhaps because climate change scares and eludes both reader and writer. Because of this openness, the reader is left with hope; the book provides a fresh and brave perspective on climate change.

With the expertise of sixteen authors worldwide, Climate Adaption presents something of a rarity: a way to move forward. While certainly not shying away from the serious nature of what awaits us, this book presents the strengths of developing our society in a resilient and diverse way. As a twenty-year-old, climate fatigue is something I’m no stranger to. The efforts of global leaders, movements such as COP26, and politicians have failed us. Global temperatures continue to rise, humanity and species continue to suffer, and habitats that were once a haven are becoming toxic, bleached, and barren. This book provides hope for the many like me who feel helpless and unaccounted for in places of power. Personal accounts, alongside the latest available data and studies, provide an enriching reading experience that equips the reader with a full understanding of the disastrous events we can expect. Climate Adaption is an important read, one that I’d recommend to anybody. We are all part of this world, and we must all want to learn how to protect it. This book additionally provides a platform for those from diverse backgrounds to have their voice heard, and what they have to say provides essential tools for building a better future for all. This book tells us that we must redefine our relationship with the world, and- importantly- we must work together in our efforts. Humanity’s assumption that the world is our oyster can hold no longer once the ocean’s life is drained. Our place is part of the world rather than above it. This knowledge is powerful. It can lead to a global effort that will protect what is left.