Fight for Planet A by Craig Reucassel

$34.99 AUD

Category: Pop Science

What we can do when there's no planet B. Based on the hit ABC series - don't leave earth without it Most Australians accept that climate change is real, but many don't know what to do about it and feel powerless to make a difference. In Fight for Planet A, the book of the ABC series of the same name, Cr aig Reucassel shows that it isn't as scary as we think, and we can make a difference to help protect the world for future generations. The Chaser comedian and presenter of War on Waste sets out solutions and practical day-to-day changes we can make to reduce our carbon footprint, as well changes our governments need to make without further delay. Find out: - Why 'avoid, renew, reduce and offset' should be the new Insta mantra - Why solar and a thing called Green Power can cut your carbon footprint, even if underfloor heating and hydroponics are your thing - How the government's substantial investment in discussion papers means we lag behind most of the world when it comes to low-emission cars - How electric cars have more grunt than your average muscle car - Why Australians pay coal mining companies more than $1 billion a year 'to help with their diesel bills' - How long we could power our homes on the emissions generated by our favourite cuts of beef. Featuring a few shocking statistics to make you sit up and take notice, plus many more pro-active tips and strategies for everyday people who want to make a difference, A Fight for Planet A is for anyone who has no Planet B - which is most of us. ...Show more

Astronomy 2021 Australia - Your Guide to the Night Sky by Peter Northfield Glenn Dawes

$29.95 AUD

Category: Pop Science

Sapiens: A Graphic History - The Birth of Humankind - Volume 1 by Yuval Noah Harari; David Vandermeulen, Daniel Casanave

$39.99 AUD

Category: Pop Science

The first volume of the graphic adaptation of Yuval Noah Harari's global phenomenon and smash Sunday Times #1 bestseller, with gorgeous full-colour illustrations and a beautiful package - the perfect gift for the curious beings in your life.One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one-homo sapiens. What happened to the others? And what may happen to us?In this first volume of the full-colour illustrated adaptation of his groundbreaking book, renowned historian Yuval Harari tells the story of humankind's creation and evolution, exploring the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be "human". From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens challenges us to reconsider accepted beliefs, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and view specific events within the context of larger ideas. Featuring 256 pages of full-colour illustrations and easy-to-understand text covering the first part of the full-length original edition, this adaptation of the mind-expanding book furthers the ongoing conversation as it introduces Harari's ideas to a wider new readership. ...Show more

A Life on Our Planet by David Attenborough

$39.99 AUD

Category: Autobiography

See the world. Then make it better. 'I am 93. I've had an extraordinary life. It's only now that I appreciate how extraordinary. As a young man, I felt I was out there in the wild, experiencing the untouched natural world - but it was an illusion. The tragedy of our time has been happening all around us , barely noticeable from day to day - the loss of our planet's wild places, its biodiversity. I have been witness to this decline. A Life on Our Planet is my witness statement, and my vision for the future. It is the story of how we came to make this, our greatest mistake - and how, if we act now, we can yet put it right. We have one final chance to create the perfect home for ourselves and restore the wonderful world we inherited.' All we need is the will do so.     ...Show more

Antarctica by Nina Gallo

$39.95 AUD

Category: Pop Science

This stimulating account of Antarctica’s past and present explains the great wilderness of Antarctica, and demonstrates why we must preserve it at all costs. In 1820, after millennia spent speculating and searching, humans laid eyes on Antarctica for the very first time. Since then, our relationsh ip with this enigmatic land of ice and has continually evolved, from one of industry during the sealing and whaling eras, to exploration as pioneers charted undiscovered coastlines and forged perilous paths towards the South Pole. Today, the human relationship with Antarctica is defined by scientific endeavour, international collaboration and luxury tourism. The bicentenary of the first human sighting of Antarctica is an opportunity to reflect on our Antarctic legacy as the latest scientific research reveals the startling impacts that climate change in Antarctica could have on a global scale. Discover this remarkable continent covered in ice, where days endure for months, highways are built by penguins and shimmering lights illuminate the night sky. ...Show more

Windfall: Unlocking a Fossil-Free Future by Ketan Joshi

$29.99 AUD

Category: Pop Science

We've had a decade of distraction and inaction on climate change, but what made things go so very wrong in Australia? And what can the rest of the world learn from our mistakes – and opportunities? In Windfall, renewable energy expert Ketan Joshi examines how wind power inspired the creation of a weird, fabricated disease, and why the speed with which emissions could have been reduced — like putting a price on carbon — was hampered by a flurry of policy disasters. He then plots a way forward to a future where communities champion equitable new clean tech projects, where Australia grows past a reliance on toxic fuels, and where the power of people is used to rattle fossil fuel advocates from their complacency. Renewable energy can become a key player in the effort to upgrade our species from one on a path to self-destruction to a path of sustainability and fairness. With the knowledge of how the last decade was lost, the next decade can work the way it's meant to. 'In Windfall: Unlocking a fossil-free future, renewable energy industry insider Ketan Joshi gives a teeth-gnashing account of Australia's interminable climate debates. ...Show more

Ecocide - Kill the Corporation Before It Kills Us by David Whyte

$22.99 AUD

Category: Pop Science | Series: Manchester University Press Ser.

We have reached the point of no return. The existential threat of climate change is now a reality. The world has never been more vulnerable. Yet corporations are already planning a life beyond this point. The business models of fossil fuel giants factor in continued profitability in a scenario of a five -degree increase in global temperature. An increase that will kill millions, if not billions. This is the shocking reality laid bare in a new, hard-hitting book by David Whyte. Ecocide makes clear the problem won't be solved by tinkering around the edges, instead it maps out a plan to end the corporation's death-watch over us. This book will reveal how the corporation has risen to this position of near impunity, but also what we need to do to fix it. ...Show more

Great Adaptations - Star-Nosed Moles, Electric Eels, and Other Tales of Evolution's Mysteries Solved by Kenneth Catania

$29.99 AUD

Category: Pop Science

How one scientist unlocked the secrets behind some of nature's most astounding animals From star-nosed moles that have super-sensing snouts to electric eels that paralyze their prey, animals possess unique and extraordinary abilities. In Great Adaptations, Kenneth Catania presents an entertaining and en gaging look at some of nature's most remarkable creatures. Telling the story of his biological detective work, Catania sheds light on the mysteries behind the behaviors of tentacled snakes, tiny shrews, zombie-making wasps, and more. He shows not only how studying these animals can provide deep insights into how life evolved, but also how scientific discovery can be filled with adventure and fun. Beginning with the star-nosed mole, Catania reveals what the creature's nasal star is actually for, and what this tells us about how brains work. He explores how the deceptive hunting strategy of tentacled snakes leads prey straight to their mouths, how eels use electricity to control other animals, and why emerald jewel wasps make zombies out of cockroaches. He also solves the enigma of worm grunting--a traditional technique in which earthworms are enticed out of the ground--by teaming up with professional worm grunters. Catania demonstrates the merits of approaching science with an open mind, considers the role played by citizen scientists, and illustrates that most animals have incredible, hidden abilities that defy our imagination. Examining some strange and spectacular creatures, Great Adaptations offers a wondrous journey into nature's grand designs. ...Show more

The Climate Cure: Solving the Climate Emergency in the Era of COVID-19 by Tim Flannery

$24.99 AUD

Category: Pop Science

Australians are witnessing an unprecedented government response to crisis-swift decisive action to avert catastrophe. And the advice of scientists has informed every step of the way. But for decades the advice of scientists on the impending catastrophe that climate change will bring has been ignored, di smissed and even ridiculed. Renowned climate scientist Tim Flannery takes aim at those in government and in the fossil fuel industries for their inaction and lies in response to calls to address the very real and immediate threats posed by climate change. Threats that are now upon us, as the 2019/20 Australian bushfires and floods have shown. Flannery sees 2020 as a turning point. He explores the measures at our disposal to reduce CO2 emissions. He looks at the ways carbon can be drawn out of the atmosphere and safely stored to stabilise atmospheric carbon levels. And he demands a new approach that puts tackling climate change in the hands of the scientists who can lead the way. The Climate Cure is an action plan for survival, a call for government policies that, like its COVID-19 response, rise to the very real climate challenges we face. There is reason for optimism - if we act now. ...Show more

Backlash Australia's Conflict of Values Over Live Exports by Bidda Jones and Julian Davies

$23.95 AUD

Category: Pop Science

An in-depth investigation of the live export trade and an analysis of the intense public drama of 2011. The backstory of this powerful industry and the campaign to bring it to an end are revealed, including aspects of the inner political story that have not been told until now. Bidda Jones, head of scie nce and strategy at RSPCA Australia, and writer Julian Davies have worked in close collaboration to bring to life these extraordinary events, including the continuing backlash against the 2011 suspension. ...Show more

End of Epidemics, The: How to Stop Viruses and Save Humanity Now by Dr Jonathan D. Quick; with Fryer, Bronwyn

$27.99 AUD

Category: Pop Science

The 2020 outbreak of coronavirus has terrified the world — and revealed how unprepared we are for the next outbreak of an infectious disease. Somewhere in nature, a killer virus is boiling up in the bloodstream of a bird, bat, monkey, or pig, preparing to jump to a human being. This not-yet-detect ed germ has the potential to wipe out millions of lives over a matter of weeks or months. That risk makes the threat posed by ISIS, a ground war, a massive climate event, or even the dropping of a nuclear bomb on a major city pale in comparison. In The End of Epidemics, Duke Global Health Institute faculty member and past Chair of the Global Health Council Dr. Jonathan D. Quick examines the eradication of smallpox and devastating effects of influenza, AIDS, SARS, Ebola, and other viral diseases . Analysing local and global efforts to contain these diseases and citing firsthand accounts of failure and success, Dr. Quick proposes a new set of actions which he has coined "The Power of Seven," to end epidemics before they can begin. These actions include: - Spending prudently to prevent disease before an epidemic strikes, rather than spending too little, too late - Ensuring prompt, open, and accurate communication between nations and aid agencies, instead of secrecy and territorial disputes - Fighting disease and preventing panic with innovation and good science Practical and urgent, The End of Epidemics is crucial reading for citizens, health professionals, and policymakers alike. ‘Pragmatic, insightful and research-rich, this is a key volume for the policymaker's shelf.’ —Nature ‘Dr. Quick's urgent message makes one hope that this book will reach a huge audience and that its exhortations will be acted on everywhere.’ —The Wall Street Journal ‘In The End of Epidemics, Quick and co-author Bronwyn Fryer spell out the seven biggest things we need to stop those outbreaks becoming epidemics. It is an impressive wish list … We could certainly use some of the advocacy for public health spending Quick calls for and — soon.’ —Debora MacKenzie, New Scientist ...Show more

Boneheads and Brainiacs - Heroes and Scoundrels of the Nobel Prize in Medicine by Moira Dolan

$29.99 AUD

Category: Pop Science

Even the greatest minds in medicine have been terribly, terribly wrong. The inventor of the lobotomy won a Nobel prize in medicine for destroying his patients' brains. Another Nobel laureate thought malaria cured syphilis. The discoverer of anaphylactic shock also researched the spirit world and ESP. A pioneer of organ transplants was an ardent eugenicist, while the founder of sports physiology heroically spoke out against Nazism. Boneheads and Brainiacs profiles the winners of the Nobel Prize in Medicine from 1901 to 1950--a surprisingly diverse group of racists, cranks, and opportunists, as well as heroes, geniuses, and selfless benefactors of humanity. Forget all the ivory tower stereotypes of white-coated doctors finding miracle cures. Boneheads and Brainiacs reveals the messy human reality behind medical progress, in a highly entertaining book written for the ordinary reader. Some were bad scientists; others were great scientists and lousy human beings. But the majority of these researchers produced knowledge that now saves millions of lives--priceless discoveries like the role of vitamins in nutrition, the dangers of radiation, treatments for diabetes and deadly infectious diseases, and more. Boneheads and Brainiacs showcases the enthralling, all-too-human personal lives that made modern medicine possible. ...Show more