Description
Book SynopsisEarth's climate is changing. This book investigates the scientific, environmental, social, political, and economic aspects of climate change. It enables students to reach an informed opinion and encourages active engagement in finding solutions.
It begins with a strong introduction to the scientific factors that drive natural and anthropogenic climate change and expands over three chapters to explore the impact of greenhouse gases on the distribution of solar energy across land, sea, ice, and air. The author examines geologically ancient climates in order to highlight possible future scenarios, and case studies from around the world highlight the impact of climate change on the physical and human environment. The final chapters investigate how society can respond to the challenges of climate change and overcome the political, social, and economic factors that are barriers to progress, focusing on the role of energy policy, fiscal policy, and risk assessment as a means to stim
Trade Review
"Human-caused climate change is increasing risks to our global health, security, and economic stability. Kitchen’s text is an invaluable resource for instructors who wish to prepare their students to engage in the important policy discussions taking place regarding climate change adaptation and mitigation. The text is thorough, yet easy to read, as it is filled with superb illustrations, thought boxes, and stunning color schemes. I have been teaching for over 30 years and this is the best textbook I have ever used for any course."
Scott A. Mandia, Suffolk County Community College, NY, USA.
Table of ContentsPart 1 – The Evidence: Is this Normal? Chapter 1 – "So, What’s Up with the Weather?" Chapter 2 – The Evidence: Observing Climate Change Part 2 – Follow the Energy: Atmosphere, Oceans, and Climate Chapter 3 – Energy and Earth’s Climate Chapter 4 – Understanding Weather and Climate Part 3 – Deep Time: A Long History of Natural Climate Change Chapter 5 – Revealing Ancient Climate Chapter 6 – Climate History Part 4 – Impacts of Climate Change: From Polar Bears to Politics Chapter 7 – The Global Impact of Climate Change Chapter 8 – People and Politics Part 5 – Global Solutions: Managing the Crisis Chapter 9 – The Energy Crisis Chapter 10 – Turning Knowledge into Action
