Top weather society honors Mann for children's book on climate change.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Climate expert Michael Mann was honored for his book “The Tantrum that Saved the World,” which the American Meteorological Society (AMS) said “engages readers with empathy and compassion and empowers them to help save animals and people from the threat of climate change.”

Mann, distinguished professor of atmospheric science at Penn State, shared the AMS’ Louis J. Battan Author’s Award, grades K-12, with illustrator Megan Herbert.

Mann, who is known for his work communicating science to policymakers and the general public, said this is one of the most rewarding honors he’s received because the book targets those who will be most affected by climate change.

“Acting to avert catastrophic climate change to me is fundamentally about our children and grandchildren and what sort of world we want to leave behind for them,” Mann said. “That’s why their voices and their engagement are so important — because they can impact adults who are actually in a position to do something about the problem.”

Mann said communicating science to kids isn’t difficult because science is about understanding your field enough that you’re able to distill complex topics into a form that’s digestible for just about anyone.

“We made sure not to talk down to kids — they will surprise you with their insights and depth of understanding — but simply, to speak in their terms and avoid the big words and jargon that too often get in the way of effective science communication,” Mann said.

Mann was honored at the AMS Annual Meeting but was unable to attend due to climate research he’s conducting in Australia. AMS is the premier scientific and professional organization in the United States promoting and disseminating information about the atmospheric, oceanic and hydrologic sciences.

*Title photo: Climate expert Michael Mann was honored for his book “The Tantrum that Saved the World,” a children's book that he wrote with illustrator Megan Herbert. He's on sabbatical in Australia researching the effects of climate change.

13 April 2020

PENN STATE NEWS