Climate Change: The Science, Impacts and Solutions

Description

It 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.

Barrie Pittock led the Climate Impact Group in CSIRO until his retirement in 1999. He contributed to or was a lead author of all four major reports for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.He was awarded a Public Service Medal in 1999 and is a CSIRO Honorary Fellow.

'Strongly recommended for those seeking a wide-ranging introduction to the topic of climate change and its human dimensions. Highly recommended.' J.E. Cole, University of Arizona, Choice Reviews Online 'For sheer breadth and comprehensiveness of coverage, Barrie Pittock's book fills a unique void in the literature in this field. Climate change is a challenge faced by the global community that will require unprecedented resolve and increasing ingenuity to tackle in the years ahead. Efforts to be made would need to be based on knowledge and informed assessment of the future. Barrie Pittock's book provides information and analysis that will greatly assist and guide decision makers on what needs to be done.' Dr Rajendra K Pachauri, Director-General, The Energy and Resources Institute and Chairman, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 'Perhaps the hardest of all concepts to get across, in this field, is that of risk and uncertainty about what will happen, and Pittock is to be congratulated on the way in which he tackles this issue, and the way in which this introduces the link between the purely technical aspects of climate change and policy decision-making.' Keith Smith, Honorary Professor - University of Edinburgh, Scotland (Environmental Chemistry v. 2 no. 337 2005) 'Pittock's work presents a convincing and readable argument for acting on the issue of climate change. I believe the work should be widely read and adopted as a mandate for policy change.' Michael Weir (The Penninsula, March 2006) 'This book is a must-read. The author has been deeply involved in this debate for many years, and this an authoritative book on a problem that affects us all. I would recommend it to anyone interested in what will happen in the future.' Professor G.W. Stevens (Chemistry in Australia, April 2006) 'For the professional user, it is a valuable source of information on climate change that is both wide, and sufficiently deep.' Roger N. Jones (Quarternany Australasia, v.23 no.2 2006) 'A serious work that would be an excellent tertiary-level introductory text. At the same time clear enough to be understood by a high-school science student, without minimising the complexity of the subject. I find this to be a remarkable achievement. Dr Pittock is not only a distinguished scientist, but also a champion communicator.' Dr Bob Rich (ReNew, Issue 96, July-September 2006) 'Adding to the now hefty weight of literature on the climate and our future is this outstanding contribution from an expert in the field.' Peter Beech, The Victorian Naturalist, Vol. 123 (5) 2006 'As an objective, authoritative text with broad coverage, this book represents a valuable contribution to the literature.' Adrian C. Newton, The Journal of Experimental Agriculture, Vol 46 (2) 2010 'Much-needed, comprehensive information on this important subject...it is a must read for those searching for authentic information on this controversial topic in the light of the world's recent historic summit addressing this very issue.' V.G Kakani, Choice. 'A comprehensive and readable analysis of most aspects of climate change' Mike Daw, Experimental Agriculture, 2010. 'His Climate Change is an encyclopedic, sober, and sobering look at the evidence of the changes goin on around the planet.' Natural Hazards Centre, 2010. 'It is a must read for those searching for authentic information on this controversial topic in light of the worlds' recent historic summit addressing this very issue'. V.G Kakani, Choice, April 2010. 'This is the most comprehensive book on climate change I have yet come across, and must count as the single volume to buy if you want an overview of every aspect of the topic.' The Scientific and Medical Network