Introduction to Modern Climate Change

by Dressler, Andrew E.

• ISBN13: 9781107001893
• ISBN10: 1107001897
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2011-10-31
• Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr

Summary

This textbook is tightly focused on the problem of anthropogenic climate change. It is unique among textbooks on climate change in that it combines an introduction of the science with an introduction to the non-science issues such as the economic and policy options. Unlike more purely descriptive textbooks, it contains the quantitative depth that is necessary for an adequate understanding of the science of climate change. The goal of the book is for a student to leave the class ready to engage in the public policy debate on this issue. This is an invaluable textbook for any introductory survey course on the science and policy of climate change, for both non-science majors and introductory science students.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xiii
An introduction to the climate problem	p. 1
Is the climate changing?	p. 16
Radiation and energy balance	p. 34
A simple climate model	p. 48
The carbon cycle	p. 62
Forcing, feedbacks, and climate sensitivity	p. 82
Why is the climate changing?	p. 103
The future of our climate	p. 118
Impacts	p. 136
Exponential growth	p. 153
Fundamentals of climate change policy	p. 165
Mitigation policies	p. 185
A brief history of climate science and politics	p. 198
Putting it together: A long-term policy to address climate change	p. 216
References	p. 231
Index	p. 235
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