Global Climate Change: Turning Knowledge Into Action

Climate change is a complex issue that affects the physical evidence of climate change and its impacts, as well as the political, economic, and social issues that stand in the way of action. This book provides a holistic introduction to climate change, accessible to non-science majors and useful to science majors who are new to the topic. It presents the issues from the many stakeholders and special interest groups in a balanced way, leaving it to the reader to make their own decisions. Case studies from across the globe bring home the actual socio-economic impact of climate change, and links current crisis to global energy and production and consumption. Evidence for climate change is examined, with a focus on the physical basis of Earth systems and global warming to differentiate between natural and anthropogenic causes. Ancient climates are explored to help provide context for modern climates, and a deeper exploration of the climate record from the past 150 years is provided. Key changes for the new edition include text updated throughout to reflect updated data and recent advances in climate science and climate policy, as well as web content updated with links to more recent reports, sites, and videos.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 412 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Climate change is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses a wide range of physical, environmental, and social factors. It is caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a warming effect known as global warming.

The physical evidence of climate change is overwhelming, with scientists studying a variety of indicators, including temperature, precipitation, sea level rise, and ocean acidification. These data show that the Earth's climate is changing at an unprecedented rate, with temperatures rising faster than ever before. This warming has a range of impacts on the planet, including melting ice caps, rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems.

In addition to the physical impacts, climate change also has significant political, economic, and social implications. It can lead to displacement of communities, food insecurity, and economic instability, particularly in developing countries that are least responsible for the problem but are most vulnerable to its effects. Climate change also has implications for national security, as it can lead to conflicts over resources such as water and energy.

To address climate change, there is a need for global cooperation and action. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and investing in climate adaptation and resilience. However, there are many challenges to overcome, including political resistance, economic barriers, and public skepticism.

One of the key challenges facing climate change is the need to balance the interests of different stakeholders. This includes developing countries, which are often the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change but have the least ability to mitigate its effects, as well as developed countries, which are responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions but are also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Another challenge is the need to communicate the urgency and importance of climate change to the public. This involves educating people about the science behind climate change, as well as the social and economic impacts it can have. It also involves engaging with policymakers and decision-makers to ensure that climate change is taken into account in policymaking.

Despite these challenges, there are many examples of successful climate change mitigation and adaptation. For example, many countries have set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and many cities have implemented green infrastructure projects to reduce air pollution and improve energy efficiency. There are also many innovative technologies and practices that can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, and sustainable agriculture.

In conclusion, climate change is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that requires global cooperation and action to address. The physical evidence of climate change is overwhelming, and its impacts are significant and far-reaching. However, there are many challenges to overcome, but there are also many examples of successful climate change mitigation and adaptation. By working together and taking action, we can help to ensure a sustainable and healthy future for ourselves and for generations to come.

Weight: 840g
Dimension: 276 x 219 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367704957
Edition number: 2 ed