London, June 17 : A book on how global warming could damage our environment has won the prestigious Royal Society science-writing prize.

‘Six Degrees: Our Future on a Hotter Planet’ by Mark Lynas has already been turned into a TV programme and the prize is expected to boost sales.

The book uses published scientific data and interviews with leading researchers to illustrate what effect each degree of warming will have on the planet including extended droughts and mass extinctions.

Lynas was presented with the winner's 10,000 pounds cheque at a ceremony hosted by the UK academy of science.

Professor Jonathan Ashmore, the chair of the judges, described the book as ‘compelling and gripping’.

"It presents a series of scientifically plausible, worst-case scenarios without tipping into hysteria," BBC quoted him, as saying.

"Six Degrees is not just a great read, written in an original way, but also provides a good overview of the latest science on this highly topical issue.

"This is a book that will stimulate debate and that will, Lynas hopes, move us to action in the hope that this is a disaster movie that never happens. Everyone should read this book," he added. (ANI)