Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid: The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate Change

Climate change becomes a reality when it steps from the podium. Biologist Thor Hanson’s explanations and descriptions of the effects of climate change are recognized more potently when divorced from political pleading. He draws on multiple examples, discussing with scientists their long-term research findings that demonstrate how the natural world has begun to either adapt or perish as warming temperatures have tampered with habitats. Through his examples, Hanson illustrates the familiar concept, “Every species on the planet lives within a range of preferred temperature,” a truism incapsulated in the term “comfort zone.”

He points out that between 25% and 85% of species on land and in the oceans are in the process of relocating. In recent decades, many bird species have shifted their seasonal range to find preferred insects and plants and to avoid predators. Mountain pine beetles have been displaced as their chosen trees are cut down, and they are among many others now moving northward or to a higher altitude to cooler settings. There are also brown pelicans show up on the Washington/Oregon border, while lizards resistant to heat develop exaggerated physical characteristics.

Lighthearted in tone but wholly serious in purpose, Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squids is an unworthy title for an outstanding introduction to a global threat.