Just one Planet by D. Mark Smith.

The world faces many problems. The present global financial crisis is one, though equally important are the tragic issues of poverty and the ecological disaster facing us all. This study attempts the daunting task of outlining and analysing the close connections between these and of suggesting remedies. As in similar studies, the message is blindingly clear: we haven't much time, immediate actions are necessary and it won't be easy.

How can you demand a reduction in consumption and a simplification of our lives and yet, at the same time, try to assist the semi-starving majority of mankind to achieve the same living standards as our own?

The book takes us through the intricacies of the causes of poverty and climate change and suggests detailed solutions. It maintains that those most responsible for pollution (and, I would add, mass poverty) have an obligation to share and use their superior resources and knowledge for the benefit of all. We must take immediate steps to reduce our carbon emissions both individually and collectively.

"The stakes are high because without globally effective actions we will fail ... to protect the most disadvantaged sections of humanity ... we have only one planet."

The Climate Files by Fred Pearce

But this belief and Is the climate warming? Is this caused by human activity? Is our planet in danger of destruction unless we do something drastic to prevent it? even hesitant steps to take action have alarmed those who make huge profits out of that lifestyle, especially the oil companies. These and their faithful supporters in sections of the Press have mounted a huge campaign to sow doubts about climate change in people's minds.

Imagine their delight when, as a result of hacking, an unexpected weapon was placed in their hands. It seems that some scientists at the forefront of the climate debate have been emailing each other with the intention of concealing certain facts which expose either downright falsification or at least suppression of evidence that they have deliberately hidden from the public, which might shed doubt on some of their conclusions..

This book by a noted scientific journalist from The Guardian thoroughly examines all the evidence on both sides and is well worth reading by those (and it should be all of us) interested in the fate of our planet.

Solar by Ian McEwan.

Now take that man on a more personal level. His marital and social life is in chaos. He has married five times and deceived all his wives . He is lascivious and greedy, hence his increasing bulk and sagging flesh. However, despite his unprepossessing appearance, he is still a serial seducer. To add to all this, his present wife is having an affair in revenge for his philandering.

His professional standing is revived when he gets drawn into the drive to protect the environment. He is about to introduce a non-polluting energy-producing machine to the world public. The event is to happen in New Mexico to an accompaniment of the beating of drums and a mass audience. How this is disrupted I leave readers to find out for themselves.

The red thread throughout the story is how his personal and public lives begin to merge. You may wish to skip the lengthy scientific explanations and simply read the plot as it unfolds, in its myriad but intriguing directions. Whichever way you slice it, you'll find the story fascinating.

Len Goodman

On guerrilla gardening by Richard Reynolds.

Some people who felt that more than most have done just that.

The guerrilla movement has become a worldwide movement. It takes its name from the real guerrillas who fought to defend their country against invaders. They have even adopted the same rules and strategies. And they see each other as comrades in the struggle against official neglect and degradation of the environment. They are proud of themselves as public benefactors and cherish their freedom of action and a distinctive romantic spirit feeling about the whole thing. The Robin Hood syndrome?

Guerrilla gardeners claim to be serving the public and I would not seek to deny them credit for that. The guerrilla movement is certainly exciting and publicly beneficial and, who knows, could make a difference to public and official attitudes. It may even stir the authorities to encourage and provide the resources for volunteers to carry on the good work

The detailed description of the movement, how it began and the multiplicity of venues in which it is operating is well worth a read.

Len Goldman