Responding to the Climate Threat: Essays on Humanity's Greatest Challenge

This book demonstrates how robust and evolving science can be relevant to public discourse about climate policy. It explains the essential components of the challenge, countering the forces of distrust of the science and opposition to a vigorous national response. It also explores science communication to a broad audience and explores the science and teaching of climate change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book serves as a powerful testament to the remarkable capacity of science to inform and shape public discourse on climate policy, a challenge that stands as the ultimate societal imperative. The complexities of combating climate change extend far beyond the mere necessity of implementing drastic adjustments to reduce greenhouse emissions and adapt to the irreversible changes already underway. A second and equally crucial challenge lies in ensuring widespread public comprehension of the intricate interplay between natural and social sciences, a prerequisite for developing an effective risk management strategy on a global scale. The multifaceted nature of climate change, encompassing scientific, economic, and policy dimensions, poses a significant communication challenge, particularly when considering the distractions and obfuscations orchestrated by organized misinformation and denial campaigns.

To address this critical need, four esteemed scholars, each with decades of dedicated research on the climate threat, have undertaken the formidable task of explaining our current understanding of the climate threat in accessible and non-technical language. Through a series of essays published during the 2020 presidential election, the midst of the COVID pandemic, and into the fall of 2021, these scholars have navigated the complexities of the challenge, countering the forces of skepticism towards science and opposition to a robust national response.

Each essay in this collection offers a unique opportunity to delve into a specific facet of climate science and policy within the broader context of contemporary events. The collective volume of these essays surpasses the sum of its parts, as each essay is preceded by an explanation of the historical and contextual backdrop, followed by an insightful reflection on the events that have transpired since its initial publication. In addition to its comprehensive exploration of topical issues in modern climate science, the book also delves into the realm of science communication, highlighting the importance of effective dissemination of scientific knowledge to the public.

By presenting the latest research and insights in a clear and accessible manner, this book empowers individuals to engage meaningfully in the conversation about climate policy. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, educators, activists, and concerned citizens alike, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complex terrain of climate change and advocate for transformative action. As we confront the urgent challenges posed by climate change, it is clear that the power of science lies in its ability to inspire, inform, and drive positive change. This book stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of human intellect.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030963712
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023