This book addresses civilization’s most important environmental challenge: climate change. Burning of fossil fuels has greatly increased the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, trapping more of the sun’s energy near the Earth’s surface. In response, our planet is warming at an unprecedented rate, and ecosystems are already changing. Modern industrialized economies depend largely on the combustion of coal, oil and gas. However, if current greenhouse gas emission rates continue, altered temperature and precipitation patterns will seriously impact ecosystems and human welfare. Many nations have adopted policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but a comprehensive and effective international climate treaty remains part of a continuing debate. Climate Change: Causes, Effects, and Solutions, is divided into three main sections: Climate Change: Past, Present, and Future; Ecological Effects of Climate Change; Human Dimensions of Climate Change. It presents an accurate account of what we do and do not know about climate change. Key features of this book include: A comprehensive analysis of both the science and policy issues of climate change A clear description of the causes of climate change Documentation of the predicted effects of climate change on ecosystems, agriculture, sea level, human health and infrastructure A range of case studies from North America, Europe, Australasia, and elsewhere A discussion of proposed actions at the individual, national and international levels to reduce climate change or its impacts This book is an ideal text for courses in global climate change, or as a supplement to courses in environmental studies, natural science, climatology, or physical geography. Additionally, it is essential reading for journalists, environmental policymakers, and everyone who seeks to understand the consequences of climate change and the steps we must take to sustain a livable planet.    

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