4 books that show how radically different the planet could look by the end of the century

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An oil rig drilling a well at sunrise near Midland, Texas

The planet is getting warmer, faster.

But how much of the science of climate change do most of us really understand? What will it do to our planet in the coming years? And what can any one person do about it?

When media coverage of climate change becomes overwhelming, books are a great place to turn. They can help you step back and see the big picture.

Here are six thought- provoking - and often surprisingly funny - books about climate change to read as you escape from the heat this summer.