The Weather Makers

Australian scientist Tim Flannery sets out the history of climate change, the science behind it, how it is likely to unfold over the next century and what can be done to limit it. Once somewhat skeptical about global warming, he spent several years researching the subject. Across 36 short essays the book reviews past climate shifts and argues that rising carbon dioxide will bring mass extinctions, more intense hurricanes and declining coral reefs, and that warming has already cut monsoon rains in the Sahel. The final third turns to solutions, from wind, solar and geothermal power to steps individuals can take. Published in 2005, it took the main prize at the New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards in 2006.

Richard Branson named it among his top 65 lifetime reads in a list he drew up for World Book Day.