But it is not a doomsday scenario that Hickson portrays in his climate change book which was launched last week in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and at the Byron Bay Writers Festival.

He chronicles a comprehensive collection of practical solutions recommended or being carried out by countries, companies and individuals around the world, aimed at significantly reducing damaging greenhouse gas emissions.

Subtitled “issues and opportunities in the global climate change environment”, the book presents a wealth of easy-to-understand scientific insights into what’s happening with our climate, as well as dozens of case studies, where businesses are introducing renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.

Hickson has put two years into the research, writing and publishing of “The ABC of Carbon.” He is quick to point out that he is not a scientist or a politician, but a communicator - a journalist and communications specialist - who feels strongly about the subject and wants to make it accessible to all.

“There is so much information out there on the vast subject of climate change, as well as a lot of opinions being expressed, so I’ve adopted a reporting role: telling it as it is.

 “Many examples are provided in the book where there is clear evidence of the impact of climate change, as well as a host of solutions from all parts of the world -  scientific, technological and industrial,” says Hickson.

The book has substance: 188,000 words, with around 900 items of interest, set out in 26 chapters – one for each letter of the alphabet.

There’s a thought-provoking introduction where Hickson draws attention to the lack of effective communication to date on the subject and incorporates quotes from well-known climate experts. The book ends with a section called “Actions and Reactions”, providing the latest news and information on this fast-changing subject.

Acting as author and publisher is not an entirely new role for Hickson. He has worked as a journalist and editor in newspapers, radio, television and magazines over the years and has also been a lecturer in communication studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

He currently edits and produces a weekly climate change e-newsletter abc carbon express and runs his own consulting business, ABC Carbon. He is regularly called on to speak on climate change solutions at conferences and events around Australia.

The Sydney launch of the book was hosted by the Workplace Research Centre at the UniversitySydney, which is also announcing that it is holding a Climate Change@Work Conference in Brisbane on 29 October this year, in conjunction with Hickson’s ABC Carbon consultancy and the Griffith Business School.

As you should expect with a book on this subject, it has been entirely produced in an environmentally-friendly manner. The book cover and text is printed on ENVI 50/50 Carbon Neutral Australian Paper, which is Government approved and wears the Greenhouse Friendly logo.

The author and publisher also practices what he preaches by managing his own carbon footprint. He uses public transport, walks a lot, pays for Green Power and offsets his travel. A true believer in energy efficiency at home and in the office, Hickson says he has definitely cut back on his own fuel and electricity use by at least 50% over the last two years.

Available online at www.sustainableinsight.com.au, www.carbonmarket.com.au and www.abccarbon.com