Book Review - How Our Climate Works: A Brief Guide in Seven Lessons - Princeton University Press

     In a time of climate crisis, with the dire consequences of continued neglect, indifference or fatuous denial, there is little more pressing than an understanding of how the climate works. We all need to know this; we need a factual basis on which to challenge our political "leaders" in order to tackle the existential crisis of our time.

     Paul I. Palmer has produced a terrific book enabling us to do just that. As a scientist he delivers climate facts, untarnished by opinion, speculation or bias, without political attribution or blame, in a manner that is accessible to the reader lacking scientific training or prior knowledge. The text is presented in easily readable fashion (although I had to go over a couple of sections a second time!), and chapter builds on chapter, truth builds on truth, plausibility conquers doubt.

     

     Palmer moves us along effortlessly through chapters on Temperature, Energy, Air, Water, Cycles, Time, and Uncertainty. One topic slides seamlessly and builds onto the next. You really do get a sense that you are starting to understand the complexities of climate science in a way that enables you to enter the conversation at a different, more detailed level.

     Every reputable climate scientist in the entire world agrees that the crisis is real. It is not a hoax, it is not "just a cycle." It is happening now, literally daily in the Anthropocene and affects us all. The background rate of extinction is one to ten thousand times the historical record, and greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere are ballooning. Carbon dioxide alone exceeds by 32% the start of the industrial age; methane pours into the atmosphere from melting permafrost and belching livestock. We know what is happening, we are crystal clear what it will likely portend for the future, yet we are reluctant to act in any meaningful way. Summers are becoming hotter, with each season setting a new record for heat, wildfires burn out of control, floods and drought decimate landscapes, one hundred year storms become five or ten year events.

     In the face of this overwhelming, irrefutable evidence the leader of the largest per capita polluter in the word denies that the climate crisis is real, and actively promotes actions to reverse the minimal progress that has already been made, aggressively reinforcing and expanding the use of fossil fuels and cancelling clean energy projects and installations. It defies logic at even the basic level. It is madness writ large.

     Palmer has written a book that is a product of its time. It is much needed, welcome, educational, eye-opening; indeed it is vital. 

     Don’t imagine for a moment that you cannot make a difference in your own life. Small actions by many produce major results. Now it’s up to you.

 How Our Climate Works: A Brief Guide In Seven Lessons - Princeton University Press

Paul I. Palmer

Hardcover - US$27.95 - ISBN: 9780691181257

296 pages - 5.5 x 8.5 inches (13.75 x 21.25 cm)

4 black-and-white illustrations

Publication date: 22 September, 2026

Victoria, BC - Part 8

26 June, 2026

Cattle Point/Uplands Park

     We had been invited by our new friends George and Jan (more about them in a subsequent post) to join them on a monthly outing to explore the bird life of Cattle Point and adjacent Uplands Park.

      We were delighted to do so.

     If you have been following the reports of our Vancouver Island vacation you will be familiar with the ubiquity of Columbian Black-tailed Deer (Odocoileus hemonius columbianus), charming animals that have accommodated to human settlement with ease it seems. These two beauties were on the beach, foraging for seaweed perhaps.

     They were quite indifferent to us but Miriam and I were entranced by them. We saw deer every day and enjoyed them more each time, I think.

     Predictably a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) worked the shoreline in search of breakfast.

     Wily American Crows (Corvus brachyrynchos) were never far away, exploiting every chance to secure food.

     Considerable interbreeding takes place between Western Gulls (Larus occidentalis) and Glaucous-winged Gulls (Larus glaucescens) and sometimes it was difficult to tell a pure gull from a hybrid. This challenge was made harder by the simple fact that we never see either one unless we are on the west coast. I am pretty sure, however, this individual is a Glaucous-winged Gull.

     We found Gum Plants (genus Grindelia) very appealing.

     People had been arriving to participate in the walk and I would estimate that around forty keen birders joined in the fun.

     Even though this was a bird outing, we did not neglect anything else that caught our eye.

     Here a bee in the genus Melissodes, probably Melissodes agilis, and a crane fly (superfamily Tipuloidea), are possibly sharing pollen and nectar resources. 

     However, some crane flies do not eat at all, having no functional mouth parts, so I can't be sure!

     The walk was led by an engaging young fellow named Geoffroy, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and we enjoyed him very much.

     Many eager eyes scanned the water, hoping all the while for a rarity - or maybe even a pod of Orcas (Orcinus orca).

     It was always a singular delight to see (and hear) Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani). 

     Fortunately it happened often.

     In Ontario we have become accustomed to Chipping Sparrow's (Spizella passerina) nests being heavily parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) and expect to see adult sparrows feeding a gargantuan young cowbird. In BC, at least around Victoria, this seems not to be the case, and we saw many young Chipping Sparrows; evidence of successful breeding was widespread.

     A Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) was like a friendly face from home.

     Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) has been introduced on Vancouver Island and like rabbits everywhere is prolific.

     Spotted Towhee (Papilo maculatus) became a firm favourite during our stay.

     A Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) was a welcome addition to the party.

     A Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) was not to be outdone.

     The antics of a Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) mirrored the behaviour of the familiar Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) at home.

     I am happy to attest that Common Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) did not make us sneeze.

     Rose Spirea (Spirea douglasii) was rapidly becoming a favourite.

     Slender Cinquefoil (Polentilla gracilis) dotted the landscape.

     Near the end of our walk we spotted a Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperii) perched in a tree.

     Songbirds beware!

     When we returned to our vehicles a couple of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were on the beach close at hand.

     I am not sure whether we on the receiving end of a welcome or being told to get lost!

     George and Jan took us to the cafeteria at the University of Victoria where we were treated to a delicious lunch, followed by a very agreeable walk through lovely gardens where two Barred Owls (Strix varia) duetted back and forth.

     It had indeed been a memorable day.

Book Review - Marine Crustaceans of Britain and Ireland - Princeton University Press

 

     I remember well, as a young boy on infrequent visits to the seaside, being fascinated by tidepools and spending my time probing in them. The life forms  were both exotic and amazing and cemented my lifelong love of such habitats and the creatures they contain. The scope of this book, of course, expands far beyond tidepools, but the fascination remains the same. From the beach to deep offshore waters the crustaceans of these ecosystems are revealed in glorious detail.

    It is the work of three distinguished marine biologists with a passion for their subjects. All have vast experience around the world and it shows. The focus of this book is the British Isles but expertise and knowledge gained internationally raises the bar.

     The involvement of Seasearch, an organization dedicated to marine conservation and management is of material value in this book. All three authors are, or have been, Seasearch coordinators.

     The result is a first rate field guide crammed with information, accompanied by stunning pictures taken by the authors, but also submitted by enthusiastic divers and recreational crustacean enthusiasts. Your expertise will be enhanced whether you are a seasoned marine biologist or an amateur sleuth anxious to expand your own knowledge and contribute as a citizen scientist.

     When you progress to the species accounts you will be presented with the common name, scientific name, a general description, key features, similar species, abundance and distribution, and taxonomic notes. It is important to recognize that some species are very difficult to identify and it is a mark of maturity to assign the organism to the highest level you feel confident with; nailing down an organism to the generic level is often a major accomplishment!

     When one contemplates the years of research Charles Darwin allocated to barnacles one knows that he would have rejoiced in their inclusion in an august field guide such as this. Mister Anthrobalanus has found his place in the sun!

     The section on Hermit Crabs was a vivid reminder of my visit in February to Eleuthera Island in The Bahamas. These entertaining and highly interesting crustaceans are found in Britain too, and the geographic separation is shrunk in an instant. 

     There is a universality to these organisms and everyone can benefit from this book. Whether on a beach in The Seychelles, diving to a coral reef in the Caribbean or hunkered down on a rocky shore in Newfoundland, there are crustaceans. 

     You may never look at a crab the same way again!

 

Marine Crustaceans of Britain and Ireland - Princeton University Press

Lin Baldock, Charlotte Bolton and Iain M. T. Dixon

US$35.00 - ISBN 9780691274744

320 pages - 300 colour illustrations - 5.88 x 8.25 inches (14.70 x 20.625 cm)

Publishing date: (US) 04 August, 2026

                           (UK) 02 June, 2026

   

Victoria, BC - Part 7

 25 June, 2026

Thetis Lake Regional Park

     We had visited this park several years ago; why we left it so long to return I am not sure. It is a wonderful spot.

     As might be expected fungi were quite common in the rich rainforest climate of these coastal regions.

Bracket Fungi (Class Agaricomycetes)

     We set out to walk the trail that circumscribes the lake.

     Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) was one of the most frequently seen birds during our visit, yet we thrilled to every sighting.

     White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) was almost as reliable.

     Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) completed the trifecta of the three most observed passerines.

     The trail meandered delightfully.

     The lake was never far from the path.

     We took great delight in magnificent Oregon Oaks (Quercus garryana).

     Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium) bears more than a passing resemblance to holly.

     Broad-leaved Stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium) is related to the Sedum in your garden.

     Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) is characterized by exfoliating bark and its sometimes twisted form. 

     I find it an exceptionally beautiful tree.

     In the way of humans, we seem unable to let nature's beauty thrive on its own, driven by some odd compulsion to mar and disfigure the tree.

     This form of defilement makes me sick if truth be known. And I doubt whether K & J are even still together.

     Water Lilies (family Nymphaecea) in all their various forms and colours are exquisite and command attention.

     It is impossible not to utter exclamations of delight.

     They were most celebrated by the French artist, Claude Monet, but I suspect that many others have tried their hand at delicate water-colour renderings.

    

     In addition to their unsurpassed beauty waterlilies play an important role in regulating the temperature of the water and providing habitat and hiding places for small fish and other denizens of the pond.

     A Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) refused to reveal more than its head above the water.

     The Pacific Northwest supports many native Alumroots (genus Heuchera) that are not extraordinarily flashy, artificially-bred prodigies. Instead, they are charming, understated perennials that provide for native pollinators and contribute to the food web that is the backbone of nature’s ecosystems.

     For us, Salal (Gaultheria shallon) was nothing less than floral enchantment.

     The generic name is derived from Dr. Hugues Jean Gaultier, an early French-Canadian naturalist and explorer. It is attractive in every season of the year.

     Unlike most plants Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) is white and does not contain chlorophyl. 

     Instead of generating food from the energy from sunlight it is parasitic. Since it does not require sunlight to grow it thrives in the darkest corners of dense, dark forests.

     Brambles (genus Rubus) provide food for bears fattening up in preparation for winter hibernation.

     A couple of fellows paddled their canoe around the lake, free from the mundane affairs of life for a couple of hours at least.

     Often confused with other yellow flowers, Common Cat's Ear (Hypochaeris radicata) is both strking and prolific.

     Slender Stinging Nettle (Urtica gracilis) is deluxe caterpillar cuisine for the larvae of many species of butterfly.

     Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) is spectacularly beautiful.

     That scion of west coast botany, Dr. Lewis J. Clark, in a burst of soaring poetic expression described the flower's "white petals crinkled like muslin." Yes, scientists too have their romantic side.

     As common as a red light on a Saturday night, Ocean Spray (Holodiscus discolor) charmed us every time we saw it - and that was daily!

     The ubiquity and the function of moss in these ancient forests is clearly revealed in the following images.

     One feels nothing short of reverential in this environment, connected to all of nature by an umbilical cord stretching back around 390 million years when trees first appeared on Earth.

     And who's to say a House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) does not sense a little of this?

     Pink Honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula) is a beautiful West Coast specialist, flowering throughout the summer and ranging from British Columbia to California.

     Large-leaved Avens (Geum macrophyllum) is a characteristic plant in this genus from the North Temperate to Arctic zones.

     Fungi are a mystery to most people, yet fascinating beyond belief. This fine example is found in the genus Fomitopsis.

     We saw Rose Spirea (Spiraea douglasii) almost every day and were always thrilled by it.

     It is found from British Columbia to northern Oregon.

     There was so much more. Organisms new to us defying identification, pictures that were unsatisfactory or downright useless, but the experience was glorious. I know so little, yet learn so much. There is a rare beauty in being absorbed by nature, and the thirst for knowledge continues unabated. The appreciation of beauty and of ecosystems in harmony is the cornerstone of my life. It will be thus until I draw my least breath. 

      In all of this Miriam is my stalwart companion, the best that one could ever have. What a fortunate man I am.

      It was late when we left for lunch and drove to one of our favourite restaurants, My Chosen Inn in Metchosin. 

     Miriam had a hot chicken sandwich with Cesar salad (picture below).

     I had a veggie burger and Cesar salad (no picture).

     And the service was swift, courteous and efficient.

     It would have been a travesty had it been otherwise on a very memorable day.