The Challenge of Global Warming [antikvár]

PREFACE Fossil fuel burning, deforestation, and the release of industrial chemicals are rapidly heating the earth to temperatures not experienced in human memory. Limiting global heating and climatic change is the central environmental challenge of our time. This book summarizes the scientific aspects of the greenhouse effect and climatic change, explains why the issue is important, and shows that there are measures which, if implemented soon, can reduce the social, economic, environmental, and political impact of changing climate. The presentation is intended for the nonscientist—the policy analyst, the legislative staff member, the advocate of environmental values, the student. Each part opens with a chapter written especially for this book by a recognized expert, followed by chapters, previously published elsewhere, which focus more narrowly on some aspect of climatic change. Considerable use has been made of recent congressional testimony, as it represents what is in many cases the only material written by leading scientists for a nonscientific audience. The introduction by Senator Wirth and the chapters which open each of the five parts provide a comprehensive, albeit general, description of the issue from its grounding in basic science to effective policy responses. A lightly annotated bibliography of recent scientific and policy literature is included as an aid to the reader who needs access to primary sources. This book would not have been possible without the help and support of Charles Savitt, Karen Berger, Nancy Seidule, and their colleagues at XI