Description
Book SynopsisNotwithstanding denials by climate-skeptics, the global scientific community considers the world environment is rapidly worsening. They argue that failure to adopt measures to reduce CO2 gas emission in the atmosphere could lead to disastrous social-economic, politico-security and environmental consequences. Skeptics argue that climate changes are due to nature''s own cyclical phenomenon. They fail to understand that climatology as a scientific discipline is in its infancy, but overwhelming evidence suggests that human activities are responsible for this. Smart campaigning and some mistakes by the IPCC in its 2007 report enabled skeptics to derail the efforts to adopt a legally binding CO2 emission target in Copenhagen in 2009. Global political leadership collectively failed to rise above their narrow national interest in Copenhagen. Last moment efforts led to a resolution, but a resolution without vision or teeth. Given large socio-economic differences between countries, a legally b
Trade ReviewClimate change and water scarcity are emerging as probably the two great challenges of the twenty-first century, with profound social and regional security implications. Binayak Ray brings to bear his considerable experience as bureaucrat, aid official and scholar to address some of the important policy implications of these issues, with specific reference to South Asia and the role of China. This book should be essential reading for policy makers in the region. -- R. J. May, Emeritus Fellow, Australian National University
Ray has produced an important review and clarification of the scientific evidence and political climate of the ways in which climate change is affecting the approach to the management of water. Although his focus is on India the evidence he assembles and lessons learned have relevance for other regions. I commend this book as a timely contribution to a debate in which we must all engage. -- Patrick Troy, Professor Emeritus, Australian National University
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Chapter 1. Climate Change and the IPCC Chapter 3 Chapter 2. Climate Change and Freshwater Chapter 4 Chapter 3. Cold War: Mutual Suspicion and Political Psyche Chapter 5 Chapter 4. Critical Policy Concerns Chapter 6 Chapter 5. China: A Key Player, an Enigma, or a Pace Setter in the Climate Debate? Chapter 7 Chapter 6. Regional Perspectives Chapter 8 Chapter 7. Copenhagen: Where to Now? Chapter 9 Chapter 8. A Few Concluding Thoughts
