Lenart, holds a Ph.D. in natural resources and global change and works at the intersection of science and communication at the University of Arizona’s Institute of the Environment. In her book, she explores how the planet has responded to temperature extremes, in both modern times and the distant past, for guidance on how to prepare for our future in this warming world. “Because of all the greenhouse gases we’re producing around the world, the question is not whether the planet’s temperature will increase overall – it’s how high the mercury will rise, and how quickly,” she writes. “By the end of this century, we face a global temperature change akin to the difference between an ice age and an interglacial warm period. Also, this time around, our own actions will affect how much the earth warms. At this point, we’re not necessarily holding a one-way ticket to hellish heat. Steps we take could slow down the temperature trajectory. They can also moderate local impacts of global warming. Our actions do matter—especially if we follow the planet’s lead.”