Climate Change: The Science, Impacts and SolutionsIt is widely accepted in the scientific community that climate change is a reality, and that changes are happening with increasing rapidity. In this second edition, leading climate researcher Barrie Pittock revisits the effects that global warming is having on our planet, in light of ever-evolving scientific research. Presenting all sides of the arguments about the science and possible remedies, Pittock examines the latest analyses of climate change, such as new and alarming observations regarding Arctic sea ice, the recently published IPCC Fourth Assessment Report, and the policies of the new Australian Government and how they affect the implementation of climate change initiatives. New material focuses on massive investments in large-scale renewables, such as the kind being taken up in California, as well as many smaller-scale activities in individual homes and businesses which are being driven by both regulatory and market mechanisms. The book includes extensive endnotes with links to ongoing and updated information, as well as some new illustrations. While the message is clear that climate change is here (and in some areas, might already be having disastrous effects), there is still hope for the future, and the ideas presented here will inspire people to take action. Climate Change: The Science, Impacts and Solutions is an important reference for students in environmental or social sciences, policy makers, and people who are genuinely concerned about the future of our environment. |
Contents
| 1 | |
2 Learning from the past | 23 |
3 Projecting the future | 43 |
4 Uncertainty is inevitable but risk is certain | 59 |
5 What climate changes are likely? | 77 |
why be concerned? | 107 |
living with climate change | 133 |
limiting climate change | 149 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
2007 IPCC report adaptation Arctic Assessment atmosphere Australia benefits biochar biofuels biomass carbon dioxide century Chapter China climate change climate models climate sensitivity climate system coastal costs decades decrease developing countries discussed drought Earth economic ecosystems effects electricity emissions reductions emissions scenarios energy efficiency environmental estimates example fire first flooding flow fossil fuels future gases Geophysical Research Letters glaciers global climate global climate models global warming greenhouse gas concentrations greenhouse gas emissions growth human hydrogen ice sheets impacts increase industry influence International IPCC 2007 report issue Kyoto Protocol lead methane mitigation natural oceans permafrost pollution population possible potential problem projected rainfall range rapid reduce emissions reducing greenhouse gas regional renewable energy risk Science scientific scientists sea-level rise sequestration significant solar stabilisation Stern Review surface targets technologies temperature tropical cyclones uncertainty UNFCCC variability WGII wind Younger Dryas