Climate Change: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

This book addresses civilization s most important environmental challenge: climate change. Burning of fossil fuels has greatly increased the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, trapping more of the sun s energy near the Earth s surface. In response, our planet is warming at an unprecedented rate, and ecosystems are already changing.

Modern industrialized economies depend largely on the combustion of coal, oil and gas. However, if current greenhouse gas emission rates continue, altered temperature and precipitation patterns will seriously impact ecosystems and human welfare. Many nations have adopted policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but a comprehensive and effective international climate treaty remains part of a continuing debate.

Climate Change: Causes, Effects, and Solutions, is divided into three main sections: Climate Change: Past, Present, and Future; Ecological Effects of Climate Change; Human Dimensions of Climate Change. It presents an accurate account of what we do and do not know about climate change.

Key features of this book include:

A comprehensive analysis of both the science and policy issues of climate change A clear description of the causes of climate change Documentation of the predicted effects of climate change on ecosystems, agriculture, sea level, human health and infrastructure A range of case studies from North America, Europe, Australasia, and elsewhere A discussion of proposed actions at the individual, national and international levels to reduce climate change or its impacts

This book is an ideal text for courses in global climate change, or as a supplement to courses in environmental studies, natural science, climatology, or physical geography. Additionally, it is essential reading for journalists, environmental policymakers, and everyone who seeks to understand the consequences of climate change and the steps we must take to sustain a livable planet.

Preface.

Section I Climate Change Past, Present, and Future.

1. Earth and the Greenhouse Effect.

Introduction.

The Greenhouse Effect.

Large–Scale Heat Redistribution.

Greenhouse Gases.

Warming Potentials.

Summary.

2. Past Climate Change: Lessons From History.

Introduction.

Past Climate Change Six Historic Periods.

Methods of Determining Past Climates and Ecosystems.

Rapid Climate Change.

Lessons of Past Climate Change.

Summary.

3. Recent Climate Change: The Earth Responds.

Introduction.

Atmospheric Temperatures.

Water Vapor and Precipitation.

Clouds and Temperature Ranges.

Ocean Circulation Patterns.

Snow and Ice.

Sea–Level Rise.

Animal Populations.

Vegetation.

Attribution.

Summary.

4. Future Climate Change: The Twenty–First Century and Beyond.

Introduction.

Global Climate Models.

Feedback Loops and Uncertainties.

Scenario–Based Climate Predictions.

Regional Climates and Extreme Events.

The Persistence of a Warmer Earth.

Summary.

Section II Ecological Effects on Climate Change.

5. Effects on Freshwater Systems.

Introduction.

Surface and Groundwater.

Drought and Soil Moisture.

Lake and Stream Biota.

Human Infrastructure.

Wetlands.

The Cryosphere.

Managing Water.

Summary.

6. Effects on Terrestrial Ecosystems.

Introduction.

Geographic Shifts in Terrestrial Habitats.

Vegetation–Climate Interactions.

Effects of Disturbances.

Loss of Biodiversity.

Implications for Forest Management and Conservation Policy.

Summary.

7. Climate Change and Agriculture.

Introduction.

Effects of Agriculture on Climate Change.

Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture.

US Agriculture.

Global Agriculture.

Summary.

8. Climate Change and the Marine Environment.

Introduction.

Sea–Level Rise.

Ocean Currents and Circulation.

Marine Biogeochemistry.

Marine Ecosystems.

Summary.

Section III Human Dimensions of Climate Change.

9. Impacts on Human Settlement and Infrastructure.

Introduction.

Energy.

Environmental Quality.

Extreme Climatic Events.

Human Settlements.

Infrastructure.

Summary.

10. Effects of Climate Change on Human Health.

Introduction.

Direct Effects of Heat Stress.

Infectious Diseases.

Air Quality.

Interactions and Secondary Effects.

Summary.

11. Mitigation: Reducing the Impacts.

Introduction.

Capture or Sequester Carbon Emissions.

Reduce Global Warming or Its Effects by Geoengineering.

Enhance Natural Carbon Sinks.

Convert to Carbon–Free and Renewable Energy Technologies.

Conserve Energy and Use It More Efficiently.

Adapt to Climate Change.

Taking Action.

Summary.

12. Policy, Politics, and Economics of Climate Change.

Introduction.

International Cooperation From Montreal to Kyoto.

Meeting Kyoto Targets.

Post–Kyoto Developments.

The Politics of Climate Change.

Kyoto Without the United States.

Benefits and Costs of Mitigating Climate Change.

The Future What is Needed?

Summary.

Appendix A: Units.

Appendix B: Abbreviations and Chemical Symbols.

Appendix C: Websites on Climate Change

Index.

...Each chapter of the book is well illustrated with case studies (The Holocene, Vol.14 No.6 2004)

" a valuable contribution to the literature on climate change and does achieve its aim of providing a comprehensive coverage of an enormous subject..." (International Journal of Climatology, January 2006)