A number of threads over the years wander through the issue of climate change, weather, and their impacts on ourselves and our resources.

Recently, Bruce Sanford (known to some here) wrote "Insignificant But Special: The Story of Life on Earth". I recommend it a a very readable story of how the earth and our solar system formed and then the earth moved from a very inhabitable rock to what it is today.

Goes through life from the first "pre-cells" to now. A fascinating aspect is that many of the earlier forms could not survive today because of changes in atmosphere and how our current situation is actually within a narrow band suitability.

Over the billenia there were many changes in "climate" and he describes the drivers in those changes such as asteroids, volcanics, and lots of other things.

I found the book rather easy to read and understand; Bruce writes pretty clearly, simply, and with good humor. Best "History of the Solar System and Life" I have run into.