Two Degrees is an environmental dystopian novel that explores climate change and global warming. Following three perspectives in three natural disasters, the audience begins to see the harm that humans are causing. Alan Gratz positions the audience to see that climate change and global warming affects both humans and nature in multifaceted ways.

Gratz confronts the audience with the detrimental effects of climate change via the representation of Sequioa trees and ice caps in crisis, through different characters and perspectives. When seeing that the Sequioa trees are burning, Akira, the first perspective of the novel, is both shocked and scared. The Sequoia trees were actually burning, and they were built “not just to withstand wildfires, but to thrive in them… the cycle was broken.” This conveys the idea that because of wildfires, even forces that are supposed to be indestructible can’t withstand natural disasters amplified by humans. This idea is furthered through Owen and George’s death-defying experience due to climate change causing the ice caps to melt. Unlike Akira’s understanding of climate change from the beginning, Owen begins to notice the change after going on a life-risking ‘adventure’ with George. After being mauled and chased by Nanuq (the vicious polar bear) he realises “as the earth got warmer, the sea ice season got shorter… [and] the hungrier the polar bears got.” This shows the change in heart for Owen, as he realises “he had only seen the dollar signs in the melting sea ice, not the threat to the polar bears.” Additionally, he recognises “[humans] were the ones who had invaded [the polar bears] world, not the other way around.” It is clear to the reader that Two Degrees shows the ever-changing effects of climate change, and how they can burn the indestructible of guardians the forest, and starve the ice giants of the tundras.

Through the journey of Natalie and Akira the audience is positioned to see the power of nature over humans. Akira feels helpless– when she thinks she is away from the fire, it sneaks back up on her. This can be expressed through the personification and simile “it was like the fire was playing some horrible game of hide-and-seek with them,” showing that Akira feels like the fire is ‘teasing’ her, never leaving her alone. This idea is exemplified as Akira doesn’t know when “the fiery predator [will] reach out its burning paws”, showing the unpredictability of Morris. Moreover, Natalie feels as if hurricane “Reubens attack on her felt personal now…,” using personification to communicate the idea that Natalie believes the hurricane is doing its absolute worst to her. Gratz incorporating the term ‘attack’ changes the audiences attitude to feel empathy for Natalie and hatred towards Reuben, as it positions the readers to view Natalie as the victim, and Ruben as the attacker. Comparing the storm to a vicious attack demonstrates the state of vulnerability Natalie is in. It is clear through the use of similes and personification that storms have power over humans, as the influence of climate change is making them stronger. Gratz indicates humans can’t predict when a fire is going to catch them, or how penetrating a hurricane will become, therefore making Reuben and Morris more controlling than ever.

Through Two Degrees, Akira, Natalie, Owen, and George’s experiences with nature allow the audience to understand the deep consequences of human actions. Through the use of multiple points of view, it is clear that climate crisis is more powerful than any other force, revealing the terrifying truth that climate change and global warming affects both humans and nature in irreversible ways.