Synopses & Reviews
A non-heated discussion on global warming and climate changeInterested in getting to the core of the reasons for the Earth's changing climate? Want an accurate reading on the science behind global warming? Here's your gauge! This easy-to-follow guide offers a temperate view of this hot topic.
Global Warming and Climate Change Demystified starts by looking at scientific data gathered from weather instruments, satellite telemetry, ice cores, and coral sections that reveal how the Earth's temperature is changing. The book goes on to examine the causes of climate change, including both natural processes and human-generated greenhouse gases. Finally, the consequences of global warming are discussed and a wide variety of viable solutions that can be implemented by individuals as well as society as a whole are presented. Complete with end-of-chapter quizzes and a final review to test your knowledge, this book will teach you the fundamentals of global warming and climate change in an unbiased and thorough manner.
This fast and easy guide offers:
- A thorough review of scientific data
- Details on the evidence of global warming worldwide
- Information on the origin and impact of greenhouse gases
- Explanations of alternatives to carbon-based energy sources
- Suggestions for local and global solutions
Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Global Warming and Climate Change Demystified is your shortcut to understanding this important and timely issue.
Synopsis
Demystifying one of today's key global issues.
This important guide addresses the causes of global warming and its effects on the Earth's climate in bestselling "Demystified" format. You will learn about the physical science behind climate change, including the chemical processes that upset the Earth's thermal balance. The book makes a distinction between what is known for certain, what many scientists now believe to be true, and what is informed speculation, subject to further interpretation. It then presents a wide range of solutions which can be pursued by individuals, as well as society as a whole.
Table of Contents
1: Introduction2: Taking the Earths temperature Stability over time – what is “normal”Variations in the solar orbitStatistical variation – identifying trendsPre-historic carbon dioxide variationIce core data – oxygen isotopesNatures CO2 “pawprint”When did global warming start?3: The physics of heating the Earth The Earths thermostat Radiation – reflection and absorption The “glass” of the Earths greenhouse Natures greenhouse – water vapor The impact of human activity Carbon and nitrogen dioxide, methaneHeat capacity of the oceans and airDistribution of heat on the EarthVolcanoesSolar flares, El Nino, the Earths core4: The chemistry of burning fuelHydrocarbonsCoalEthanol HydrogenEnergy payback – the hydrogen plantHow much CO2 to make one solar cell?5: Sources of greenhouse gasesThe natural carbon cycle Human-added greenhouse gases Auto emissionsDeforestationElectrical power generationAgricultureIndustry6: Evidence for global warmingDirect and indirect evidenceAtmospheric measurementsOcean measurementsCarbon dioxide measurementsThe correlation: carbon dioxideandtempSnow cap and glacier loss What we know for certainWhat most scientists believe to be true7: Consequences of global warmingArchimedes principle and floating iceCoastlines moving inlandWacky weather – drought and floodingEcological changes Proliferation of diseaseRegional climate changesGlobal inertia: greenhouse emissions8: SolutionsDemand reductionFuels that produce less carbon dioxideUse of non-polluting forms of energy Sequestering greenhouse gas emissionsSinks foratmospheric greenhouse gases Alternatives to burning forestsWhy we think oil is cheaper than solar?Band-Aids: new leveesRelocating populationsEconomic trade-off:action and in-actionTuring your money “green”The ozone problemhopeless?9: Global responseThe lesson of space flightA small step for mankindState and city initiativesIndustry taking the leadCurrent U.S. and world programs