Climate Process and Change

Description

This is the first major textbook to encompass the true complexity of climate change. While greenhouse warming dominates most of the literature, Bryant presents numerous reasons for the observed climate change of the past century. He argues that changes in climate, more dramatic than those of the past 150 years, have been a predominant aspect of the Earth's climate over the past two million years. He highlights human impacts on climate other than "greenhouse" gases, including sulphate air pollutants, dust and urban heat islands. He also explains the natural components forcing climate change. Bryant presents, in simple terms, the processes that drive the Earth's present climate system. He outlines the nature and reasons for temperature fluctuations over millennia, including recent human-induced climate change. Finally, he discusses the impact of climate change on human health and the world's ecosystems. This text will be an invaluable resource for undergraduate students as well as a reference for professionals.

'The book is clearly written in a style that is relaxed and easy to understand. Diagrams are plentiful, clearly produced and add considerably to the value of the text ... It is rare these days to find a book about climate change that is indifferent to the popular simplistic view and detached from impassioned warnings of impending environmental disasters. This is what makes Climate Process and Change different from the plethora of publications on the subject. It should be essential reading for all inquisitive undergraduates who are interested in a balanced treatment of an important subject.' C. R. de Freitas, New Zealand Geographer 'This is an excellent and welcome contribution for students, reasearchers involved in the study of climatology, and libraries of academic and research institutions ... I would strongly recommend this book as a first text in climate processes and change.' Pitta Govinda Rao, Bulletin 'Edward Bryant has produced a fascinating book, which is targeted at both the general reader and also students studying climatology in university geography and environmental science courses.' Progress in Physical Geography