Customer Reviews

Global Warming and Climate Change Demystified

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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

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.

I've read more than a dozen books and seen a dozen videos about global warming and climate change. This book is the clearest and best organized. The wording is economical and thus easy to read. It has a few minor typographical errors that do not effect the meaning. After every chapter there is a list of self-test questions the answers to which are in the back of the book. I have found that feature very useful. I highly recommend this book.

Very clear and understandable. Sets out all causes for global warming clearly, and makes sure to note where there are scientific uncertainties