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.
Preface; 1. Global warming and climate change; 2. The Greenhouse effect; 3. The Greenhouse gases; 4. Climates of the past; 5. Modelling the climate; 6. Climate change for the twenty-first century and beyond; 7. The impacts of climate change; 8. Why should we be concerned?; 9. Weighing the uncertainty; 10. A strategy for action to avoid dangerous climate change; 11. Energy and transport for the future; 12. The global village; Glossary; Index.
