How much of global warming is due to human activities? How far will it be possible to adapt to changes of climate? Sir John Houghton's definitive, full colour guide to climate change answers these questions and more by providing the best and latest information available, including the latest IPCC findings. The simple, logical flow of ideas gives an invaluable grounding in the science, as well as the physical and human impacts of climate change, for undergraduate students across a wide range of disciplines. Accessible to ...
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How much of global warming is due to human activities? How far will it be possible to adapt to changes of climate? Sir John Houghton's definitive, full colour guide to climate change answers these questions and more by providing the best and latest information available, including the latest IPCC findings. The simple, logical flow of ideas gives an invaluable grounding in the science, as well as the physical and human impacts of climate change, for undergraduate students across a wide range of disciplines. Accessible to both scientists and non-scientists, the text avoids mathematical equations and includes more technical material in boxes, while simple figures help students to understand the conclusions the science leads to without being overwhelmed by vast amounts of data. Questions for students to consider and test their understanding are included in each chapter, along with carefully selected further reading to expand their knowledge.
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Global warming is, without question, the most overhyped and politically charged phenomenon of modern times. That political leaders are now contemplating the reversal of economic progress and human prosperity for the sake of a few hundredths of a degree Celsius is beyond absurd. All the hyperbole has been expended over a brief era--1978-1997 when globally averaged temperatures rose about one-third of a degree Celsius, this following a period--1945-1997--when they fell by a like amount. To single out CO2 as the culprit is irrational, particularly when the earth was 1-2 degrees warmer in the period 900-1350 without industrial activity. In fact, the earth's climate is subject, primarily, to natural, cyclical forces, including solar activity, the earth's elliptical orbit, its axial tilt, its precission wobble, and the effect of cosmic rays on cloud cover that do far more to explain climate variation than an inconsequential trace gas that has been singled out as the leading culprit. But the cause is clear. CO2 is one factor subject to control by government which can substitute bureacratic diktat for free market mechanisms
Lesmac
Apr 1, 2010
Professional but blinkered
This is a most professional text-book, well written and clearly explained. It suffers from one major flaw. It assumes that Carbon dioxide and global warming are synonyms. There is no question about other causes than the increase in CO2 emissions whether or not the models accurately portray past history and predict the future.Ignores ocean currents, solar radiation, cloud cover and historical evidence of previous warmings. Take it as an article of faith and you will be satisfied. Take it as a scientific enquiry and you will be horrified.
UniversityStudent
Jul 23, 2009
Thorough
this book was one of two required for a university course. it is very thorough in explaining the science of climate (& change) without being to overwhelming to the lay person.
