Book excerpt: While a few degrees rise in the average temperature of Earth's surface may not sound like a catastrophe, the race against climate change is truly a race for survival. At stake are the futures of billions of the planet's inhabitants, including people, animals, and plants. This book examines the causes and consequences of climate change, such as extreme weather and rising sea levels. Drawing upon authoritative sources, it provides key scientific facts and explains the problem in an accessible way. Sidebars examine the past, the future, and possible solutions, and colorful images illuminate the changes in our world.