Product Description
As a consequence of recent increased awareness of the social and political dimensions of climate, many non-specialists discover a need for information about the variety of available climate models. A Climate Modelling Primer, Third Edition explains the basis and mechanisms of all types of current physically-based climate models.

A thoroughly revised and updated edition, this book assists the reader in understanding the complexities and applicabilities of today’s wide range of climate models. Topics covered include the latest techniques for modelling the coupled biosphere-ocean-atmosphere system, information on current practical aspects of climate modelling and ways to evaluate and exploit the results, discussion of Earth System Models of Intermediate Complexity (EMICs), and interactive exercises based on Energy Balance Model (EBM) and the Daisyworld model. Source codes and results from a range of model types allows readers to make their own climate simulations and to view the results of the latest high resolution models.

The accompanying CD contains:

• A suite of resources for those wishing to learn more about climate modelling.
• A range of model visualisations.
• Data from climate models for use in the classroom.
• Windows and Macintosh programs for an Energy Balance Model.
• Selected figures from the book for inclusion in presentations and lectures.

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Customer Reviews (2)

There are options that can be taken if we don't wish to see the planet and all of its inhabitants wasted
For many years habitat destruction due to population pressure, and the overuse or misuse of resources, and the spread of invasive species, have been the principal human-related threats to global biodiversity. Now conservation managers are faced with an even bigger menace to that biodiversity; that of human-induced climate change, a further result of overuse or misuse of the planet's resources, and one that is likely to interact unfavourably, and exacerbate the effects of, the other threats. However, this is more than just a problem for conservationists; it is a monumental challenge to human ingenuity. To the laymen climate change is synonymous with global warming and understandably most people are concerned principally with how a change in local weather is going to impact on their quality of life. Although a general increase in temperature is perhaps the most obvious manifestation of climate change a global shift of the world's weather patterns is a prediction few scientists would deny. Some places will be drier, others wetter, the majority hotter, a few maybe cooler. The changes will be unpredictable, and naturally occurring climatic phenomena like El Niño and La Niña, which have global ramifications as far afield as the north Atlantic causing droughts and storms in different places, could change in their frequency and intensity resulting in dire local consequences in some areas.

This volume considers global climate change in terms of the effects on the world's biodiversity. The specific response of biota to these changes is unknown because we do not have precise data on the direction, magnitude or longevity of climate changes and because we cannot make precise predictions about the future rate of anthropogenic greenhouse gases emissions or the consequent ecosystem changes resulting from carbon cycle feedback. Regional ecosystem changes are especially difficult to forecast because they are dependent on changes elsewhere and the world's climate is extremely complex and difficult to model with any real degree of certitude. What we do know, though, is that previous periods of global warming associated with natural climatic oscillations occurred in the presence of an undamaged ecosystem and intact habitat and that this is no longer the case. Basically, there are three responses available for a species, though manner of response depends not only on the ecology and life history traits of the species involved, but on responses by other species in the same ecosystem, especially recent invasive species:
1) Adaptation in situ to changing conditions, dependent on physical and behavioural plasticity and/or pre-existent adaptive genetic material.
2) Range migration, dependent upon species mobility and geographic limitation;
3) Extinction.

The volume is divided into six section, each containing self-contained accessible (at student and learned public level) academic texts. A number of useful case studies designed to represent specific events are intercalated between the chapters. Part 1 provides definitions and puts biodiversity and climate change into context. Part 2 looks at present climate changes and current biotic responses. Part 3 uses information from past natural climatic oscillations and makes broad comparisons to see what, if anything, can be learned from them. Part 4 attempts to understand the future and looks at what computer modelling is available to try and predict trends. Part 5 addresses the issues that require tackling immediately and considers the options open to conservation managers. Part 5 looks at policy responses and urges all stakeholders, whether corporate or government, to act now in the best interests of the planet.

In 1992 one of the editors of this volume, Thomas Lovejoy, together with R L Peters, produced one of the seminal works on the subject: Global warming and Biological Biodiversity. Climate Change and Biodiversity is really an update in the light of much more - and much more alarming - new information. But at least there is more information, and there are options that can be taken if we don't wish to see the planet and all of its inhabitants wasted. This could turn out to be a landmark volume and should be read by a wider audience than to whom it is possibly addressed. There is great scope for an even more accessible résumé.

Must read...
I originally used parts of the book for a research project, but after reading portions I decided that I must have the book and reread it from cover to cover. It has great concepts and it is well edited for a nice flow. If you like wildlife and climate change interests you this is a must read. ... Read more

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Praise for Carbon Finance

"A timely, objective, and informative analysis of the financial opportunities and challenges presented by climate change, including a thorough description of adaptive measures and insurance products for managing risk in a carbon constrained economy."
—James R. Evans, M. Eng. P. Geo., Senior Manager, Environmental Risk Management, RBC Financial Group

"Climate change will have enormous financial implications in the years to come. How businesses and investors respond to the risks and opportunities from this issue will have an enormous rippling effect in the global economy. Sonia Labatt and Rodney White's insights and thoughtful analysis should be read by all who want to successfully navigate this global business issue."
—Andrea Moffat, Director, Corporate Programs, Ceres

"In Carbon Finance, Labatt and White present a clear and accessible description of the climate change debate and the carbon market that is developing. Climate change is becoming an important factor for many financial sector participants. The authors illustrate how challenges and opportunities will arise within the carbon market for banking, insurance, and investment activities as well as for the regulated and energy sector of the economy."
—Charles E. Kennedy, Director and Portfolio Manager, MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier Inc.

"Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge of our generation. Its impact on the energy sector has implications for productivity and competitiveness. At the same time, environmental risk has emerged as a major challenge for corporations in the age of full disclosure. Carbon Finance explains how these disparate forces have spawned a range of financial products designed to help manage the inherent risk. It is necessary reading for corporate executives facing challenges that are unique in their business experience."
—Skip Willis, Managing Director Canadian Operations, ICF International

"In this timely publication, Labatt and White succeed in communicating the workings of carbon markets, providing simple examples and invaluable context to the new and changing mechanisms that underpin our transformation to a carbon-constrained world. Carbon Finance will be the definitive guide to this field for years to come."
—Susan McGeachie, Director, Innovest Strategic Value Advisors, Graduate Faculty Member, University of Toronto; and Jane Ambachtsheer, Principal, Mercer Investment Consulting, Graduate Faculty Member, University of Toronto ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Excelente
Muy buen libro, vale la pena leerlo aunque recomiendo para los principiantes comenzar con uno más sencillo.

Worth every penny!!!!..Great source for understanding market dynamics.
Really enjoyed the book. Was interesting, well composed, and was a useful source in gaining a comprehensive understanding of complex environmental finance mechanisms.

I would definitely recommend it !!!!

Good introduction book, nothing contained about finance.
This is a good book if you want to have an overall picture on the Carbon markets. The book provides summary of how the carbon markets were formed, why and how. However, do not expect to find any finance related chapters in the book, such as an in depth description of how instruments are structured, or on how to implement carbon instruments in actual projects. However, this book is excellent as an introduction, and is a must read before going on to more complicated text. My only problem with the book was its title, which gave me the impression that the book will be much more concentrated on the "financial" part of carbon trading.

still need large global scope for trading
The book is an acknowledgement of how environmental concerns, and specifically global warming, are approaching mainstream. Labatt and White give a sober summary of various types of energy sources, nonrenewable and renewable. With the pros and cons of each.

Aside from these energy sources, they also discuss how to perhaps sequester carbon. That is, remove what is usually carbon dioxide emissions from the environment. One promising idea is to inject it into deep oil and gas fields. In part, this is helped by the fact that it is already being done. Albeit to improve extraction of the oil and gas.

The text also explains how aviation is a huge source of CO2 emissions. Something not originally considered significant, just a few years ago.

The book also goes into ways to do emissions trading. Big problems still exist, including verification of emissions. There is no mention of some pioneering work in the early 90s in Southern California, with the Air Quality Management District, and an exchange called Buenos Aires [sic].

Various trading mechanisms have started up. But nothing yet with a large global scope. ... Read more

Product Description
The need for effective communication, public outreach and education to increase support for policy, collective action and behaviour change is ever present, and is perhaps most pressing in the context of anthropogenic climate change. This book is the first to take a comprehensive look at communication and social change specifically targeted to climate change. It is a unique collection of ideas examining the challenges associated with communicating climate change in order to facilitate societal response. It offers well-founded, practical suggestions on how to communicate climate change and how to approach related social change more effectively. The contributors of this book come from a diverse range of backgrounds, from government and academia to non-governmental and civic sectors of society. The book is accessibly written, and any specialized terminology is explained. It will be of great interest to academic researchers and professionals in climate change, environmental policy, science communication, psychology, sociology and geography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Puzzled
I'm just wondering why this book is so expensive. It can't be *that* great.I heard one of the authors on a radio show and decided to check out her book, because what she says is right on, but it's not like she has such exclusive information. This is information that should be shared with the world, but it's prohibitively expensive.(In fact, I'd like to review the book for my podcast, so I should get it for free.)If she cut the price of this book in half, more people would buy it and someone out there might even be inspired to do something wonderful to fight climate change as a result. Books like these should be more accessible, not less. ... Read more

Product Description
Growing Perennials in Cold Climates is destined to be a landmark in gardening publishing.It is the first book ever of its kind for perennial gardeners.

Beginning with the 50 best perennial groups to grow in cold climates, the book details both the good and the bad news about these plants in the most reader-friendly, easy-to-follow fashion in the history of gardening publishing.It includes easily accessible information on how to grow cold climate perennials, where to plant them, the different soil types, companion plants, and caring, pruning, and propagation.Fully illustrated throughout, this is the guide that gardeners living in colder climates have been waiting for. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Excellent within its scope
This is an excellent book for gardeners in USDA Zones 3b through 5b east of the 100th meridian.While one can certainly quarrel with which genera are covered, within its scope this book offers very solid advice. No similar reference offers as much breadth regarding specific cultivars.I hope the publisher will offer an expanded (including Thalictrums and Polygonatums!) and updated second edition in the near future. If you are a beginning to intermediate gardener this book is definitely worth having.

Gardening in Cold Climates
For those living in zone 4 or 3 - this is a fantastic all inclusive gardening book for anyone.Would highly recommend it.

Delightful reading andgobs of information.
A passionately written book. The information is detailed yet to the point and not boring or too scientific. A great book for the cold climate novice gardener or a reference for the master.
The pictures are beautiful and plenty. The layout is clear, logical and well organized. The book's a real keeper. Great job.

Best book for perennials in the Midwest
I've bought and borrowed numerous books regarding perennials.None has been so complete and well illustrated.Each plant species has varieties listed as well as planting, mulching, pruning, dividing techniques and advice.As an avid perennial gardener, I can't recommend this book highly enough.Kudos to the authors!

Gardening in areas that reach 20 degrees below 0
This book lets you know which perennials you can buy and grow in cold climates. It is a must for anyone in the Northern Areas of 20 degree's below 0 even in Canada. It shows the pictures of the flowers and where they will grow best for cold weather. It also shows you the best variety to buy and where you can order them, plant them and how to do it. It is a must for cold weather climates. ... Read more

Product Description
Using everyday occurrences to illustrate meteorology and climatology, this first-rate reference works together with inspired technology tutorials to engage readers in learning about atmospheric behavior. Dynamic illustrations from the book come to life in the fully integrated  website, where a narrator guides users through animated tutorials, video footage and satellite loops of atmospheric phenomena. Climate change science is updated and folded into atmospheric science coverage throughout the new edition to provide a report of scientific consensus and currency. This includes the findings presented in the fourth assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as well as how the members of the panel reached their conclusions.
Composition and Structure of the Atmosphere; Solar Radiation and the Seasons; Energy Balance and Temperature; Atmospheric Pressure and Wind; Atmospheric Moisture; Cloud Development and Forms; Precipitation Processes.
Atmospheric Circulation and Pressure Distributions; Air Masses and Fronts; Mid-Latitude Cyclones; Lightning, Thunder, and Tornadoes; Tropical Storms and Hurricanes; Weather Forecasting and Analysis; Human Effects: Air Pollution and Heat Islands; Earth's Climates; Climate Changes: Past and Future; Atmospheric Optics.
A useful reference for anyone who wants to learn more about Earth’s climate and weather.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Value And Price
I would like to express my appreciation for the condition of my textbook, and the great value and price of the textbook. The customer service was fantastic! ... Read more

Product Description
Global warming skeptics often fall back on the argument that the scientific case for global warming is all model predictions, nothing but simulation; they warn us that we need to wait for real data, "sound science." In A Vast Machine Paul Edwards has news for these skeptics: without models, there are no data. Today, no collection of signals or observations—even from satellites, which can "see" the whole planet with a single instrument—becomes global in time and space without passing through a series of data models. Everything we know about the world's climate we know through models. Edwards offers an engaging and innovative history of how scientists learned to understand the atmosphere—to measure it, trace its past, and model its future.

Edwards argues that all our knowledge about climate change comes from three kinds of computer models: simulation models of weather and climate; reanalysis models, which recreate climate history from historical weather data; and data models, used to combine and adjust measurements from many different sources. Meteorology creates knowledge through an infrastructure (weather stations and other data platforms) that covers the whole world, making global data. This infrastructure generates information so vast in quantity and so diverse in quality and form that it can be understood only by computer analysis—making data global. Edwards describes the science behind the scientific consensus on climate change, arguing that over the years data and models have converged to create a stable, reliable, and trustworthy basis for establishing the reality of global warming. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

meteorologist
A VAST MACHINE is an excellent historical review of meteorology/climatology.However, mathematical treatment of fluid dynamics is very complex. The advent of computers has greatly enhanced weather prediction and analysis, but even today in meteorology five to six days forecasts are at best are only eighty to eighty five percent accurate. Forecasting years ahead, as in climatology are, in my estimation, only educated guesses. We simply don't have a comprehensive enough data base, in climatology, for dependable forecast analysis even with computer models. Although Mr.Edwards presents his case admirably, I am not convinced we are ready to forecast climate with any degree of accuracy now or in the foreseeable future.

Sounds like a reasonable book to me
I have only read chapter one of the book so far (so I gave it a neutral rating), but I was struck by a comment Jerry Matchett made: "... but does claim that computer model output constitutes data!" Considering that lots of climactic and metereological data goes into the models, it seems pretty reasonable to think that the model data coming out has some possible validity and reliability.

As far as language goes, I found chapter one to be very accessible. Check the author's website for more info about the book.

Understand the Roots of Our Understanding
Understanding how we know about climate, and even what it means to know about climate and climate change, is essential if we are to have an informed debate. This is far and away the best book I have read on the infrastructure behind our knowledge of climate change, how that infrastructure developed, and how the infrastructure shapes our understanding.

The story begins in the 1600s as systematic collection of weather data began (at least in the modern period, other cultures such as the Chinese have older records and it would be interesting to unearth these, although the data normalization issues would be extreme). It picks up speed in the 19th C with global trade and then the telegraph. The more data collected, and the more data is exchanged, the more important it becomes to normalize data for comparison. Normalization requires some form of data model, a theory that makes the data meaningful. Indeed, this is Edwards point, all data about weather and climate only becomes meaningful in the context of a model (this is of course generally true).

Work accelerated during WW2 and then exploded in the 50s and 60s as computers became more available. The role played by John Von Neumann in this is fascinating, as is the nugget that his second wife Klara Von Neumann taught early weather scientists how to program (there is a whole hidden history of the role of woman in developing computer programming that needs to be written - or if you know of one please add it to the comments of this review or tweet it to me @StevenForth).

Edwards also introduces some useful concepts such as Data Friction and Computational Friction. I think my company can apply these in its own work, so for me this has been a very practical text.

Modern models of climate are complex and are growing more so. They have to be to integrate data from multiple sources. One of the main lines of evidence for climate change is that data from many different sources are converging to suggest that climate change is a real and accelerating phenomena. One can meaningfully ask if this convergence is an artifact of the models, although this appears unlikely given the diversity of the data and models. But Edwards shows that it is idiotic to claim that the data and the models can be meaningfully separated. This is true in all science and not just climate science. A theory is a model to normalize and integrate data and to uncover and make meaningful relations between disparate data. That these models are now expressed numerically in computations, rather than as differential equations or sentences in a human language or drawings is one of the major shifts of the information age. It will be interesting to dig deeper into the formal relations between these diffferent modeling languages.

Save your money
This book seems little different than the rantings of a Monday morning,arriving late, college professor, suffering from a hangover, who forgot his lecture notes and even his place in the course syllabus, who decides to talk over the heads of his students about anything in general and nothing in particular because he does not know that they will appreciate the difference.

An example, "I intend the notion of knowledge infrastructure to signal parallels with other infrastructures, such as those of communication, transport, and energy distribution. Yet this is no mere analogy or metaphor.It is a precise, literal description of the sociotechnical supports that invariably undergird facts and well-accepted theories."

Imagine 439 pages of this drivel!

He does not realistically appraise evidence regarding "human caused global warming" but does claim that computer model output constitutes data! How MIT could publish this is beyond me! ... Read more

Product Description
Adapting to climate change is a critical problem facing humanity. This involves reconsidering our lifestyles, and is linked to our actions as individuals, societies and governments. This book presents the latest science and social science research on whether the world can adapt to climate change. Written by experts, both academics and practitioners, it examines the risks to ecosystems, demonstrating how values, culture and the constraining forces of governance act as barriers to action. As a state-of-the-art review of science and a holistic assessment of adaptation options, it is essential reading for those concerned with responses to climate change, especially researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and graduate students. Significant features include historical, contemporary, and future insights into adaptation to climate change; coverage of adaptation issues from different perspectives: climate science, hydrology, engineering, ecology, economics, human geography, anthropology and political science; and contributions from leading researchers and practitioners from around the world.An interview with Neil Adger on adapting to climate change:

... Read more

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This book provides an introduction to the development of three-dimensional climate models, including their four major components: atmosphere, ocean, land/vegetation, and sea ice. The fundamental processes in each component and the interactions among them are explained using basic scientific principles, and elements of the numerical methods used in solving the model equations are also provided. The authors show how the theory and models grew historically and how well they are able to account for known aspects of the climate system. This book is written so that a reader who is only vaguely aware of climate models will be able to gain an understanding of what the models are attempting to simulate, how the models are constructed, what the models have succeeded in simulating, and how the models are being used. Examples illustrating the use of the models to simulate aspects of the current climate system are followed by examples illustrating the application of the models to important scientific areas such as understanding paleoclimates, the last millennium, the El Nino/Southern Oscillation, and the effects of increasing greenhouse gas concentrations on future climate change. The book is appropriate for scientists, graduate students, and upper-level undergraduates and can be used as a textbook or for self study and reference. The authors have considerably updated the book from the first edition by adding descriptions of many techniques and results developed since the mid-1980s. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A first-rate review of the subject
While this isn't a complete introduction, and while it may inevitably be slightly out of date, this is nonetheless the best introduction to climate modeling I've found. It presents the primary methods, and discusses the accomplishments and shortcomings of the field honestly (if at times a bit defensively).

There are clear limitations to climate modeling. For anyone with training in more mainstream Artificial Intelligence techniques, it's very uncomfortable to "test on the training data," which is exactly what climate modelers must do (i.e., they must run their models on the recent past, and if their models don't perform well on it, they will be tweaked until they do--effectively "cheating" because fidelity to the recent past is obviously no indication of predictive power if you tweak the model specifically to work on the recent past). Much of the uncertainty comes from sub-grid interactions that must be parameterized. For example, the formation of clouds is still an area of great uncertainty, and yet has an enormous effect on the climate. The authors recognize this issue, and identify it as a field where future research should focus.

On the other hand, climate modeling has been extremely useful as an inspiration to the imagination, and in working out the logical implications of what we currently believe to be true (both through those things that can be tested in a lab, like the absorption spectrum of carbon dioxide, or those that need to be parameterized, like cloud formation). We can't predict the future, but models allow us to get a sense of what may happen.

The authors discuss all of this, and illustrate it throughout. Of course, as scientists who have spent their lives in climate modeling, they are as supportive of climate modeling as one might expect. But they are also good scientists, and therefore open about the shortcomings.

In short, I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants an introduction to climate modeling. It's a fascinating and important subject that more people should know more about.

A fantastic introductory survey of climate modeling
This book is a clear and well written introductory survey of climate modeling by masters in the field. While it is by no means a complete survey of the field, the book has been quite useful in our research group to get non-geoscientists ( mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists ) up to speed on the topic of climate modeling. It serve as a good reference forstudents interested in climate modeling. ... Read more

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By depoliticizing the energy-climate debate the authors succeed in exposing corrupt political thinking and 'green' myth-making about issues that affect every one of us. Today, energy is the most important commodity in the world. Yet our basic energy security is threatened by an ideological social agenda driven more by myth than reality. "Energy and Climate Wars" exposes the energy and climate myths that are driving today's public debate, from the West's war on carbon to the concept of peak oil and renewable energy. Using facts and empirical science, Peter Glover and Michael Economides show how most of the battle over energy and climate issues are the works of political and 'green' ideologues bent on social engineering programs. They present facts that are often obscured by media hype and speculative science to demolish popular myths, including the belief that energy politics are carried out in the best interest of all and that renewable energy can replace hydrocarbon economy.A thought-provoking, meticulously researched book, "Energy and Climate Wars" will help readers grasp the issues at stake and understand how energy and climate policy directly affect their lives with higher energy prices and security threats. ... Read more

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The fourth edition of Understanding Weather and Climate  has been thoroughly updated throughout.  Every part of the text has been examined and updated to ensure currency and clarity.Integrating the classic textbook model with emerging areas of instructional technology, this book focuses on explaining, rather than describing, the processes that produce Earth's weather and climate. The authors encourage a non-mathematical understanding of physical principles as a vehicle for learning about atmospheric processes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Lab Manual - Understanding Weather & Climate (4th Edition)
I bought this manual to go with a text, and it does, right in order.The illustrations are great and add to the knowledge given in the text.

Good text book, bit too pricey
I liked this book alot when I was in climatology. It isn't longwinded and is explained in plain english. It's Good as a source book, but goes into great detail (even too much) in some sections and not enough in other parts.

Overall, it's a bit too expensive if you aren't using this for a course. Buy it used if you can. ... Read more

Product Description
This comprehensive book on school finance encompasses historical, economic, computer/mathematical, and legal points of view and is an excellent reference for both the practitioner and academic. The writing in this book is both scholarly and engaging, appealing to a diverse audience of students, educational leaders, parents, and legislators. School finance is an ever-changing topic and this book has continued to cover all current trends to provide readers with a firm grounding in educational finance issues that administrators often misunderstand. For educators, school administrators, and legislators. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Informative, detailed information
This book provides detailed information on almost every aspect of school finance.Updated charts and easy to follow chapters outline budget, business, accounting, state, and federal programs in both public and private schools.

A complex subject is introduced well.
This newest edition remains a popular book in educational finance courses in Texas and elsewhere. Information has been updated to reflect new legislation and current trends. The book has evolved well over the years,and this latest update does an excellent job of introducing EDAD majors andothers to the complex world of school finance. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (59)

Ok..
The book I ordered was supposed to be hardcover but when I got it in the mail it turned out to be paperback. Other than that everything was fine.

Sarah Hofflander Review
In 2006, it was estimated that nearly 29 million pounds of carbon dioxide were emitted into Earth's atmosphere.This number is extremely alarming in terms of the issues of global climate change. It is now widely believed that greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, are trapped within the Earth's atmosphere therefore resulting in dangerous effects to life on the planet. Rising temperatures, severe drought, extinction of certain species, and melting to ice sheets and glaciers are only a handful of negative consequences provoked by global climate change.
Author Elizabeth Kolbert addresses the issues of global climate change in her book entitled, Field Notes From a Catastrophe. The book consists of two sections: the first segment`s focal point is evidence of the phenomenon occurring in nature. The second half of the book explores the human activity that has contributed to global warming and whether or not the proper action is being taken to reduce what has already occurred. Despite the issues' complexity, the book is simplistic enough for first time exposure to the issue, yet still provides great insight for those well informed on the topic.
As previously mentioned, the first half of the book focuses the causes and effects from global climate change. Kolbert takes a trip around the world to experience the direct effects of climate change firsthand. Her journey begins in Shishmaref, Alaska where she encounters two main positive feedback loops that have become detrimental to the environment. The first feedback loops can be found in rapid melting of the glaciers. As the glaciers are continuing to melt, sea levels are rising and thus flooding the coastal regions. Humans who once inhabited these areas have now been forced to find homes farther inland.The second loop is a product of the melting permafrost which is releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, increasing the greenhouse effect. A similar occurrence is taking place in Greenland where glaciers are rapidly melting as well. This fresh water released from these glaciers is altering ocean currents and thus causing climates to be colder or warmer. In addition to melting of glaciers, Kolbert emphasizes the migration of animal's species northward and the extinction of others due to increased temperatures.
Although Kolbert doesn't directly state causes to global climate change, she includes a chapter about human influence on the environment. Carbon emissions from humans were historically stable until we reached our industrialized era. Once our society became more developed, our carbon dioxide emissions doubled. This is detrimental to life on Earth since this carbon is trapped inside our atmosphere and not only increasing global temperatures but also burning a hole in our ozone layer. This is a huge concern since ozone absorbs harmful rays emitted from the sun that are detrimental to human life.
The second half of Kolbert's book discusses how human influences have contributed to global climate and actions that are being taken to reduce its effects. This half begins by exploring the theory that ancient civilizations, such as the Mayans and Shekhna, experienced the tragic effects of global warming as well. Evidence posed by scientists show patterns of droughts in these areas whose severity ultimately lead to wiping out the entire population of humans and species. Now that both current and historical evidence have been factored into proving the phenomenon, Kolbert asks what is exactly being done to combat this? The answer to this is complicated with remainder of the book highlighting various actions taken by different counties.
In the Netherlands for example, the issue of global climate change is being embraced. Recently, the country has experienced reoccurring patterns of widespread flooding in which new innovations are being made to construct roads and homes that have the ability to float. It has been recognized that humans need to give more room to rivers rather than trying to push them back. Not all countries are making great efforts however. In theory, the United States is addressing the issue, however actions prove otherwise. When the Kyoto Protocol, a plan presented by the UN for industrialized countries to reduce emission of greenhouse gases, was introduced, the U.S. rejected the plan within 24 hours of its proposal. In addition politicians such as George W. Bush have proposed plans that would help greenhouse emissions steadily decline, yet the United State's emissions have only shown patterns of continuous increase. Hopefully this pattern will soon change.
Overall, the book is well worth reading. Kolbert's main argument about the reality of global warming is backed by strong, credible evidence. What makes the evidence so strong and credible is a handful of factors. First, Kolbert herself visited places all around the globe from Alaska to the Netherlands, to Greenland and Washington D.C., just to name a few. In visiting all these places, Kolbert proves that climate change is indeed a global issue that is in desperate need of more attention. In addition to traveling to such places Kolbert conducts many interviews with not only a number of experts but locals as well. Between her personal experience, science, and other's observations Kolbert provides many different viewpoints on the issue that all have the same conclusions: global climate change is a real thing. In this, Kolbert offers an array of perspectives on the matter rather than just one to prove her point.
Another factor that contributes to the book's excellence is the way in which the book was written. Specifically, the language and organization throughout the book make it an easy read. The way in which Kolbert wrote the book breaks the problem down enough for the common reader to understand yet is still well written enough for even the informed reader. As far as organization goes, Kolbert first focuses on global warming and its effects, then proceeds in the second half to talk about actions being taken to reduce the problem. Structuring the book in the manner sucks a reader in. If the two sections were to have been reversed, solutions then problems, a reader would have been less connected with the problem and the book would have been much more difficult to get through.
One additional factor that made the book appealing was the United State's reaction to the phenomenon. Kolbert discusses how historically and currently the U.S. has been the largest emitter of greenhouse gages, yet we are lagging in taking responsibility for it. Kolbert argues that because the U.S. is the biggest contributor that they are the ones who should be leading the fight against global climate change. She points out that the U.S. has the ability to set examples for the rest of the world, especially for other industrialized countries like China. She makes an excellent point that the goal of every country is to modernize like the United State yet if they were to follow the same patterns as the United States, humankind and the Earth would be in tremendous trouble. Ultimately, The U.S. needs to start taking advantage of its leading role and put it to good use and needs to do it sooner rather than later.

Insightful, Easy-to-Read Exploration into Global Warming
I don't usually read environmental books but I couldn't put this down.Kolbert explores the issues facing the environment today, forcing the reader to consider what needs to be done to save the planet.

Kolbert: Field Notes from a Catastrophe
If you were to read one and only one book regarding climate change, this should be that one.

Cheaper than the school bookstore.
I had a nazi austrailian English 1102 teacher who based the whole class on global warming and this was required for the class. It is a quick read and explains global warming pretty well, I got it here because it was cheaper than the bookstore. ... Read more

Product Description
Explains those climates formed near the ground in terms of the cycling of energy and mass through systems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Met ref......
I have found this book to be an extremely good reference over the years for a non-meteorologist; this coming from a biogeochemist - I have used it for years and am now buying it. Another very good reference is Stahl (of course)

Oke is the man
This is the most valuable book for any climatologist. It contains the staples of this subject.

Something wrong!
Why don't we make this good book even better? I happened to notice that the 2nd equation of A1.2 on page 339 was wrong. Cosine value should always be between -1 and +1. In table A3.1 on page 393, SI unit for the last threecolumns is also problematic. I think it should be sqaure meter per secondmultiplied by 10 to -6. Check those out. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Collection of Essays from Leading Buddhist Teachers
This book is a collection of writings from both the editors and 20+ Buddhist leaders and teachers about global warming, related ecological issues, and how Buddhist teachings offer insight into why this has occurred and how we can address it. Contributors include the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Bhikkhi Bodhi, Robert Aitken Roshi, Joseph Goldstein, and others. Although I have some minor issues with the structure and tone of certain parts of this book, overall it is insightful and comprehensive.

First, an overview of the contents: After an introduction and opening by the current Dalai Lama (including a moving contemplative poem/prayer), there are several chapters by John Stanley (one of the editors) covering the science behind global warming, as well as its impact. This is followed by 'Asian Buddhist Perspectives', essays by several Tibetan Buddhist teachers and leaders presenting their thoughts and aspirational prayers. Following this is 'Western Buddhist Perspectives', in which a variety of teachers from all different Buddhist lineages, but all currently teaching in the West, share their thoughts. The book ends with 'Solutions', a collection of steps to address global warming and the related ecological issues, followed by a closing chapter by Thich Nhat Hanh.

This book is a call to action for those already convinced climate change is a, if not the, major issue facing humanity at this time. Those still on the fence might be turned off by certain statements, for although the editors cover the science behind global warming, and make some attempt to refute skeptics, their perspective on dissenting views regarding global warming are essentially derisive, as summed up here:

"Complex manipulative strategies always oil the wheels of society, and so it should not surprise us that collective denial has been encouraged and sustained by sophisticated efforts of social deception." (p. 225)

This tone surprised me a bit, and is one of two slight reservations I have about this book (and the reason for 4, instead of 5, stars.) Although it is meant to be a call to action, I felt a bit confused about who the target audience is - it seems unlikely someone not already concerned about global warming would pick up this book, but the editors chose to include supporting science, presumably to convince those not already convinced, and so the sometimes dismissive tone seemed counterproductive to that.

My other reservation is regarding the organization of the teachers selected. 'Asian Buddhist Perspectives' should more rightly be called 'Tibetan Buddhist Perspectives', as there are no other Buddhist schools represented in this section. And although the editors say in the introduction that their separation of Tibetan and Western perspectives was "not meant to create an artificial division in the one world of Buddhism but to acknowledge how Buddhism has been transmitted in our time...", I felt that the book's organization did, in fact, create an artificial division, and one that might turn off some Western Buddhists (again, presumably the target audience.) I also would personally have loved to have seen more women represented (two of 21 essays were contributed by women - Joanna Macy and Susan Murpy Roshi.)

Those reservations aside, this book does indeed offer a uniquely Buddhist perspective on the ecological challenges facing humanity today. Many essays offer a Buddhist analysis of how and why this crises has occurred, using Buddhist teachings on suffering (dukkha) and its origins (samudaya) to understand the roots of human behavior in relation to the environment. Others discuss teachings on dependent origination (pratityasamutpada) and lovingkindness (metta), to discuss the basis for a uniquely Buddhist response. As Gyalwang Karmapa XVII puts it, "Our aspiration as Dharma practitioners is to free all beings from suffering."

Several of the writers refute misperceptions of Buddhist teachings that might lead to a lack of response. I thought Joanna Macy covered this topic the best, with her list of 'spiritual traps' some might fall into:

"...That the phenomenal world is an illusion. Impermanent and made of matter, it is less worthy than a realm of pure spirit....That suffering is a mistake. Pain we may feel in beholding the world derives from our own cravings and attachments....That we create our world unilaterally by the power of our mind [and that therefore] grief for the plight of the world is negative thinking...And the corollary, that the world is already perfect when we view it spiritually [and so there is no] need to act." (p. 178)

As Thich Nhat Hanh puts it, partly in refutation of such views, "We are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness."

Many of the writers look to Buddhist teachings for guidance on how to respond, and connect creating a sustainable world with 'the middle way' - striking a culture of balance, not grasping and greed. Buddhism's emphasis on personal responsibility is also discussed, and as Joseph Goldstein notes about his own Insight Meditation community, "if one or two people take the lead in making even small changes, it energizes the whole community."

Other more esoteric topics covered are how the current crises is related to the Kaliyuga or 'age of dregs', the period of history that Tibetan teachings posit we are currently in; and how the present state of the planet may impact the ability of beings to incarnate here.

Overall, this is an interesting read for any Buddhist looking to understand global warming and environmental issues in the framework of Buddhist teachings, or anyone already interested in global warming that is looking for a new way to respond. ... Read more

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Climate change is inescapable. Even if the whole world stopped pumping carbon dioxide into the sky today, at least forty years of climate change are ahead of us, thanks to the long time lag within the Earth's ecosystem. As the century progresses, extremes will become more common: heat waves, drought, storms, and floods will test the design of our buildings and the resilience of our communities. We also face the slow rise of sea levels and the secondary impacts of climate change, especially on energy and food security.

Customer Reviews (1)

Filled with specific pointers and tested approaches
Deserving of ongoing recommendation is this fine survey on how to design and build homes to cope with ongoing climate change. Traditional and contemporary home designs alike are covered in a fine survey blending case studies with practical advice for coping with storms, floods, drought and more. General lending libraries as well as collections catering to architects and homeowners must have this: it's filled with specific pointers and tested approaches!
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Confronting climate change is now understood as a problem of 'decarbonising' the global economy: ending our dependence on carbon-based fossil fuels. This book explores whether such a transformation is underway, how it might be accelerated, and the complex politics of this process. Given the dominance of global capitalism and free-market ideologies, decarbonisation is dependent on creating carbon markets and engaging powerful actors in the world of business and finance. Climate Capitalism assesses the huge political dilemmas this poses, and the need to challenge the entrenched power of many corporations, the culture of energy use, and global inequalities in energy consumption. Climate Capitalism is essential reading for anyone wanting to better understand the challenge we face. It will also inform a range of student courses in environmental studies, development studies, international relations, and business programmes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fabulous Science Series for Middle School!
The entire Prentice Hall Science Explorer series is fabulous! Each book covers a particular topic in great detail - loads of vivid pictures, easy to use layout and links to the Prentice Hall website for more interesting facts and sites for your child to use.

Each book is approximately 1/2 inch thick and has about 200 pages. Important information is high-lighted, key words and concepts are indicated in advance and small quizzes are included for each section of each chapter. Perfect for teaching kids how to find the useful information within the chapter.

My child used these books in 6th and 7th grade and we don't have a single complaint about them. They are a great resource to have at home - buy the ones that are of interest to your child. That is the great thing - you don't have to purchase a huge text, just the ones you want. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Superb
Climate scientist Stephen H. Schneider (who died in July, 2010) here organizes 49 essays from noted experts to explore the state-of-our-knowledge of "global climatic disruption" and potential related policy initiatives. The essays are scholarly and, in some cases, quite technical, with charts, maps, and detailed sourcing.

There are five main sections. "Impacts of Climate Change" ranges over extinction, ecosystems, water, hurricanes, wildfires, forests of Amazonia, crop production and food security, human health, and unique and valued places. "Policy Analysis" looks at economic impacts, assessment modeling, risk perceptions, political feasibility, carbon taxes/trading/offsets, and the economic cost of reducing COs emissions. "International Considerations" include treaties, EU climate policy, population, inequities and imbalances, ethics and rights, developing countries, the Clean Development Mechanism, and climate change and policy in China, India and Australia. There is a large section (9 essays) on the United States, including an interesting look at California's approach to combating climate change and at the role of media and public education in shaping policy. The fifth section, "Mitigation Options to Reduce Carbon Emissions", discusses renewable energy, hydrogen and nuclear energy, coal capture and storage, "avoided deforestation" policy for tropical forests, and the pros and cons of engineering the climate.

The information presented here, current to late 2009, is quite alarming, even for someone who has been following climate change for some years. I guess someone has to make an effort to pull things together and hope to change the future, but the more I read in this field, the less hope I have that we as a species can cooperate in time and to the extent necessary to avoid changes for which we aren't prepared and wouldn't want if they were to happen today. In addition to the fact that the many, many consequences of climate change are endlessly layered and interconnected, they are also global, the scope of which most people don't fathom. We aren't talking about simple temperature warming, but massive changes in food production and water availability, location of growing seasons, food chain extinctions, and unprecedented illness and death from starvation, lack of drinking water, and political unrest as huge populations can no longer survive within their countries' borders. It doesn't help that industrial countries have the most to lose in lifestyle but the least in safety, at least for the next few decades. It is also possible that some wealthier countries will see short-term benefits from climate change, which will add to the unwillingness to alter our ways. However, the lag time in climate change is several human lifetimes, and it is too easy to indulge our species' short attention span and need to fulfill immediate wants. Add to that the political improbability of international trust and cooperation for what is needed to stop catastrophe, and the future seems quite bleak.

While this book is difficult for the non-specialist to read, it is full of data and the scientific proofs rarely found in more popular books on the topic. This is the book to read to find out exactly why most scientists are extremely concerned and some terrified by what we've set in motion. Most of the writers make an attempt to just present the facts without sounding an alarm, and the effect is perhaps more disturbing: the bald facts lay out a future we really, really don't want but seem incapable of fully grasping. And therein may lie our fate.

Superbly organized and presented
Climate issues are where science and politics often clash because of the conflict between objective science and subjective corporate interests, between concerns for the long term conditions of the earth and the short term advantages of electoral profits and corporate vested interests with respect to the specific phenomena of global climate change. That's why it is so important for not only the scientific community but the non-specialist general reader that titles like "Climate Change Science and Policy", the collaborative work of Stephen H. Schneider (Melvin and Joan Lane Professor for Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies, Professor of Biology, and a Senior Fellow, Woods Institute for the Environment, at Stanford University); Armin Rosencranz (Founder and Former president of Pacific ; Michael D. Mastrandrea (Consulting Assistant Professor, Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University); and Kristin Kuntz-Duriseti (Managing Editor, 'Climatic Change') addresses not only the science behind what is more accurately described in its pages as the global climate change which is now in progress, but the national and international governmental policy implications as well. Of special note is the introduction to this informed and informative 544-page compendium by John P. Holdren (Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy). Superbly organized and presented, "Climate Change Science and Policy" is a seminal body of work and a strongly endorsed addition for academic, governmental, and community library Environmental Studies reference collections, and supplemental reading lists for non-specialist general readers concerned about environmental issues in general, and climate change in particular.
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