Carbon Dioxide through the Ages: From wild spirit to climate culprit

Carbon dioxide is a significant molecule in Earth's climate, and this text traces its development through the ages, from its discovery as a separate gas to its recognition of its radiative properties and impact on climate. The world must reduce its emissions of carbon dioxide fast, and this book discusses options to achieve that goal.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 27 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Carbon dioxide has emerged as one of the most influential molecules of our century, owing to its pivotal role in shaping Earth's climate. This comprehensive text delves into the historical evolution of our understanding of carbon dioxide, encompassing its early discovery as a distinct gas in the mid-17th century, its recognition of radiative properties, and its profound impact on climate throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries.

Beginning with concise explanations for lay readers, each chapter of the text provides an in-depth exploration of the gas's historical development. Extensive literature references and notes accompany the narrative, facilitating a deeper exploration of the subject matter. The text takes readers on a journey from the initial recognition of carbon dioxide as a separate entity to its subsequent understanding of its radiative properties and its role in climate change.

The text vividly describes the global efforts undertaken over the past 50 years to curb the rise in carbon dioxide emissions. It highlights the challenges and complexities involved in addressing this pressing issue, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action. The book concludes by setting the stage for the pivotal Paris climate accords and subsequent negotiations, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing the climate crisis.

As a climate scientist and the director of the Royal NIOZ, the Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, as well as a professor at the Department of Earth Sciences at the Free University of Amsterdam, Han Dolman has dedicated his career to studying the global carbon cycle and its relationship to our climate. His extensive research has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of this critical environmental parameter. Dolman has been involved in numerous international research programs, including the Global Climate Observing System, contributing to the global effort to address climate change.

In conclusion, Carbon Dioxide: A Historical Perspective is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the historical development of our perception of carbon dioxide and its profound impact on our planet. Through its comprehensive coverage, extensive literature references, and expert insights, the text provides a comprehensive roadmap for addressing the climate crisis and fostering international cooperation in the fight against climate change.

Weight: 616g
Dimension: 145 x 223 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198869412