effect of climate on

Addresses claims that the Earth's climate is changing, looking at variations in weather patterns, investigating what is known about global warming, and discussing the relationship between global warming and increases in the burning of fossil fuels since the mid-nineteenth century.

Contains case studies that provide science-based speculations on what might occur on Earth as the global average temperature increases--as projected--by six degrees.

Examines the science of climatic change, looking at the work of scientists around the world who are trying to determine whether the Earth has entered a new era of climate in which the extreme will become normal.

Examines the earth's warming period between the tenth and fifteenth centuries and how it affected global societies, and describes how it relates to weather patterns around the world today.

Explains what causes particular weather events and discusses how they affect different cultures.

Introduces the differences between rural and urban communities and describes the land, resources, and climates of mountain, island, polar, and desert communities.

Climate issue expert Dr. James Hansen discusses his recommendation for how to avoid catastrophic climate change, criticizing policies such as cap-and-trade, suggesting the phasing out of all coal usage, and urging against the Kyoto Protocol in favor of new action to slow global warming.

A collection of thirteen essays that explore various issues related to climate change, discussing its impact on communities and the environment.