Hurricanes: Their Nature and Impact on Society [Hardcover]

Roger A. Pielke Sr. (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471973548 | ISBN-13: 978-0471973546 | Publication Date: April 21, 1998 | Edition: 1

Losses to hurricanes in the 1990s total more than those incurred in the 1970s and 1980s combined, even after adjusting for inflation. This has led many to mistakenly conclude that severe hurricanes are becoming more frequent. In fact, according to recent research, the past few decades have seen a decrease in the frequency of severe storms and 1991 to 1994 was the quietest in at least 50 years. It does mean, however, that the world today is more vulnerable to hurricane impacts than it has ever been, which represents a serious policy problem. This book defines and assesses the hurricane problem, focusing primarily on the United States, in order to lay a foundation for action. The concept of vulnerability is used to integrate the societal and physical aspects of hurricane impacts. The book is unique in that it seeks to address both the scientific and societal aspects of hurricanes. While it focuses on the United States, it is intended to illustrate weather related impacts assessment that could be applied in other areas, and for phenomena other than hurricanes. More broadly, this book seeks to illustrate the beneficial uses (as well as limitations) of hurricane science to society. Explicit consideration of the relationship between science and society is much needed in an era when scientific research is under public and political pressure to demonstrate a better connection with societal needs.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This book discusses hurricanes, their effect on society, and how society responds to these storms. It focuses on the U.S. to provide a framework for integrating science and policy that can be applied to the study of tropical cyclone impacts throughout the world.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 298 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (April 21, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471973548
• ISBN-13: 978-0471973546
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,230,342 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars worth the high price, seriously, November 28, 2000

By 

mcnoldy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hurricanes: Their Nature and Impact on Society (Hardcover)

The book doesn't go into too much detail regarding the "nature" of hurricanes, but it does cover the impacts on society in great detail. There is no better book for studying how hurricanes of the past have affected the east and Gulf coasts of the US. It also spends a lot of time on social preparedness and response to a landfall.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the only hurricane book you will ever need!, May 3, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (new jersey,u.s.a.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hurricanes: Their Nature and Impact on Society (Hardcover)

hello, my name is mark and i live in n.j. just 6 miles west of atlantic city and the threat of hurricanes is very real here and anyone that lives near the coast should read this informative book about hurricanes and there nature and impacts on society.mr. roger a. pielke does a fantastic job on covering all the ground work about hurricane life cycles and their affects on land and at sea and does so without being to techno. on people so they could understand what hurricanes and their effects can do to everyday people and commutities all along our coastlines.and if you were affected by hurricane andrew you must read the chapters on the storm itself and to see why these storms are so dangerous to life and property.a must own book, hands down, one of the best to come out in years!.