Global Warming and Climate Change Demystified [Paperback]

Jerry Silver (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0071502408 | ISBN-13: 978-0071502405 | Publication Date: January 30, 2008 | Edition: 1

A non-heated discussion on global warming and climate change

Interested 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 & 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 & Climate Change Demystified is your shortcut to understanding this important and timely issue.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jerry Silver has spent nearly two decades developing components for terrestrial photovoltaic systems for the Solarex Corporation (now BP solar). He has worked for several organizations involved with solar energy development, including the United States Department of Energy. Mr. Silver currently teaches science in New Jersey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 289 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional; 1 edition (January 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071502408
• ISBN-13: 978-0071502405
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #612,975 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most factual and understandable book on global warming., March 26, 2008

By 

S. Dohnim (NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Global Warming and Climate Change Demystified (Paperback)

Many books written on the topic of global warming and climate change. However, this one stands out as being especially helpful in understanding this complex issue that I think has confused a lot of people. For one thing it lays out the science in a clear and understandable way. It can be read by someone who does not have a strong scientific backgroud or interest. But it can also gives a reader enough detail to go beyond the simple assertions of fact found in other books and articles. The book is honest and direct with the facts. It does not over-dramatize the problem as some other books have done. It retails a lot of crediblity by stating but not overstating the scientific data that has been gathered in recent years. The reader is given the opportunity to respond to the issue without being beaten over the head with a political agenda. The case for global warming caused by humans burning fossil fuels however is made clear to the reader. Its effects in terms of impact on the planet are also spelled out in convincing detail. What I like best is the section on solutions. This is not a lets-be-green for a day feel good book. The solutions go well beyond just screwing in more efficient light bulbs or everyone doing their part. Specific changes to how we generate energy and transport people are spelled out. Coal will be a dominant and unavoidable source of electric power for the next several decades. This book provides a very practical and realistic insight into what needs to be done to reduce the impact of coal on climate while searching for longer term renewable sources of power. I also like the fact that this book is up to date in that it includes the most recent results from the IPCC and the Bali confernece held this year. There are several good books coming out on the subject of climate change (and some not so good ones), but I think this one should be on everyone's list.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book!, February 18, 2008

By 

maideneternity - See all my reviews

This review is from: Global Warming and Climate Change Demystified (Paperback)

This book was very informative, especially for people who don't fully understand science. Full of great examples and pictures! Highly highly recommended!

1.0 out of 5 stars Too confused to trust, January 5, 2012

By 

William C. Mead "reader-thinker" (Los Alamos, NM USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Global Warming and Climate Change Demystified (Kindle Edition)

Global Warming and Climate Change Demystified is an attempt to explain some of the basic physics and chemistry of global warming to a lay audience. I think it is more likely to confuse than demystify. The section on acidity of the ocean terminated my interest in the book. Here are key excerpts from four paragraphs starting at location 619.

"As carbon dioxide increases in the atmosphere, more carbon dioxide dissolves in ocean waters. When carbon dioxide dissolves in water, it forms carbonic acid. This results in a lower pH of the world's oceans. (More acidic conditions are indicated by a lower pH and more alkaline or basic conditions are indicated by a higher pH level.)"

"Since 1750, the average pH range of the global oceans has decreased by 0.1, indicating a slight shift to being more acidic."

"Scientists are concerned about potential impacts on sea life from decreased ocean pH level, especially if it continues to fall."

So far, generally ok (although the discussion ignores other factors that affect ocean acidity). But now, one sentence later, the author loses it completely.

"The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere will raise ocean pH by 0.14-0.35 during the twenty-first century. This is in addition to the 0.1 increase seen already."

What? Is the pH rising or falling? To confuse such a simple point, all in the space of a few sentences, is incredibly sloppy. It gives me no confidence that the larger questions will be handled without mistakes or misconceptions.

I'd strongly suggest skipping this one. Perhaps it could be salvaged in the next edition, or perhaps it should be relegated to the recycle bin.