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The Rough Guide to Climate Change

Global Warming is a hot topic at the moment, and The Rough Guide to Climate Change is a useful addition to the growing literature aimed at helping readers to understand this phenomenon. It's a complicated subject, but the book explains it in an non-technical way. It gives plenty of information on the changes in weather that has already been observed and what we might expect for the future, on the science of climate change, and on the question of what can be done about it. I felt it was especially helpful in allowing the reader to see beyond some of the simplistic ideas which are often provided by the media.

I wasn't so convinced about the book being published as a 'Rough Guide'. Although this format is useful for packing a large amount of information into a small book, it makes it more difficult to read it straight through. Also it rather implies that the information will mostly consist of advice on things for the reader to do. In fact the section advising on actions for the individual to take is fairly short, and doesn't go much beyond what the reader will have heard elsewhere - I felt more was needed here if the aim is to help people to make informed choices on how to combat climate change.

Amazon.com info

Paperback 320 pages
ISBN: 1843537117
Salesrank: 378993
Weight:0.62 lbs

Published: 2006 Rough Guides

Amazon price $16.99

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Amazon.co.uk info

Paperback 320 pages
ISBN: 1843537117
Salesrank: 38280
Weight:0.62 lbs

Published: 2006 Rough Guides Ltd

Amazon price £5.99

Marketplace:New from £4.73:Used from £2.49

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Amazon.ca info

Paperback 320 pages
ISBN: 1843537117
Salesrank: 116159
Weight:0.62 lbs

Published: 2006 Rough Guides

Amazon price CDN$ 16.78

Marketplace:New from CDN$ 16.78:Used from CDN$ 9.61

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Product Description
The Rough Guide to Climate Change is a complete, unbiased guide to one of the most pressing problems facing humanity. From the current situation and back ground science to the government sceptics and possible solutions, this book covers the whole subject. The guide looks at: Visible symptoms of change from a warming planet How global warming works. The evolution of our atmosphere over the last 4.5 billion years What computer simulations of climate reveal about our past, present, and future The sceptics: Who are they? What are their grounds for disagreeing with the crowd? Battle of the titans: The oil industry vs. the global commons Global warming in the media: A review of the last few decades. Global solutions: What governments and scientists are doing to try and solve the problem Plus much, more. The guide also includes lifestyle advice and tips for consumers who want to make a difference in tomorrow’s climate, and comes complete with a gloassary of websites for further information.

Product Description

The Rough Guide to Climate Change is a complete, unbiased guide to one of the most pressing problems facing humanity. From the current situation and back ground science to the government sceptics and possible solutions, this book covers the whole subject. The guide looks at: Visible symptoms of change from a warming planet How global warming works. The evolution of our atmosphere over the last 4.5 billion years What computer simulations of climate reveal about our past, present, and future The sceptics: Who are they? What are their grounds for disagreeing with the crowd? Battle of the titans: The oil industry vs. the global commons Global warming in the media: A review of the last few decades. Global solutions: What governments and scientists are doing to try and solve the problem Plus much, more. The guide also includes lifestyle advice and tips for consumers who want to make a difference in tomorrow’s climate, and comes complete with a gloassary of websites for further information.

easy to understand *****
this book is so easy to read. i had to have the book for class but i ended up really enjoying reading it. we have assignments to read out of the book each week but i liked it so much i read the entire book in one night

easy to understand *****

this book is so easy to read. i had to have the book for class but i ended up really enjoying reading it. we have assignments to read out of the book each week but i liked it so much i read the entire book in one night

Easily the best general book on global warming! *****
Having just finished reading this book, I'm stunned at how much information it crams into ~326 pages. It's simply the most comprehensive and yet readable book on global warming today (clearly written with lots of photos and illustrations). I suspect that most readers (like myself) will have difficulty absorbing the material in one reading. Lucklily, the book is divided into sections that are independent (for the most part), so readers can break it into more manageable chunks. The author is clearly concerned about global warming but he strives to be fair and balanced- however, he does devote a page for a well-deserved critique of Michael Crichton's "State of Fear" (2005), which is really a silly book. Even though "Climate Change" was just published in 2006, much has changed because of the IPCC report in 2007, so a 2nd edition is due in early 2008.

Easily the best general book on global warming! *****

Having just finished reading this book, I'm stunned at how much information it crams into ~326 pages. It's simply the most comprehensive and yet readable book on global warming today (clearly written with lots of photos and illustrations).

I suspect that most readers (like myself) will have difficulty absorbing the material in one reading. Lucklily, the book is divided into sections that are independent (for the most part), so readers can break it into more manageable chunks.

The author is clearly concerned about global warming but he strives to be fair and balanced- however, he does devote a page for a well-deserved critique of Michael Crichton's "State of Fear" (2005), which is really a silly book.

Even though "Climate Change" was just published in 2006, much has changed because of the IPCC report in 2007, so a 2nd edition is due in early 2008.

Encyclopaedic, yet readable *****
It seems almost extravagant to publish yet another book on climate change. This one, however, bears the benefit of being almost extravagantly comprehensive. Henson has assembled a wealth of data, presenting it in a superbly organised and accessible account. Although the term "Rough Guide" might imply a superficial approach to the topic, this book is anything but that. In slightly over three hundred pages, the author covers the current conditions, the history leading up to those and what processes are in place to influence climate. He also deals with how the sciences investigating climate change work, and why we should pay attention to them. His analysis of policies addressing climate change, in particular his descripton of the Kyoto Protocols, is unsurpassed. He even includes how the arts, well and poorly, have adopted climate themes into their productions. Although he recognises the failings of such films as "The Day After Tomorrow", he accepts their role in raising public consciousness. This enlarged awareness has been manifested [...]which uses idle computers to assess data used in modelling climate change. Henson's explanation of computer modelling is on a par with the rest of his presentation; clear and informative. The author repeatedly stresses that while climate change is a global phenomenon, it is individuals who will make a difference in its onset and impact. Accordingly, his suggested solutions will bear close scrutiny. As well as Kyoto's broad view, Henson examines the alternatives or enhancements for their likely effectiveness. The recent initiative by The Asia-Pacific Partnership, based on voluntary controls and shared technologies, is covered, as is the Contraction and Convergence model. Most importantly, the author's coverage of personal changes in energy consumption and pollution reduction is very helpful. He makes clear that none of the steps requires drastic change in lifestyle nor the outlay of substantial funds. To this end he closes with a list of useful resources of information on all aspects of the topic. If there is a shortcoming in this book, it is the process used to save paper and money. The reduced size of the volume means packing all that information into a small space. The typeface is miniscule and the reading can be excruciating. Energy-saving lightbulbs in your house may lead to impaired vision from sifting through so much information. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Encyclopaedic, yet readable *****

It seems almost extravagant to publish yet another book on climate change. This one, however, bears the benefit of being almost extravagantly comprehensive. Henson has assembled a wealth of data, presenting it in a superbly organised and accessible account. Although the term "Rough Guide" might imply a superficial approach to the topic, this book is anything but that. In slightly over three hundred pages, the author covers the current conditions, the history leading up to those and what processes are in place to influence climate. He also deals with how the sciences investigating climate change work, and why we should pay attention to them.

His analysis of policies addressing climate change, in particular his descripton of the Kyoto Protocols, is unsurpassed. He even includes how the arts, well and poorly, have adopted climate themes into their productions. Although he recognises the failings of such films as "The Day After Tomorrow", he accepts their role in raising public consciousness. This enlarged awareness has been manifested [...]which uses idle computers to assess data used in modelling climate change. Henson's explanation of computer modelling is on a par with the rest of his presentation; clear and informative.

The author repeatedly stresses that while climate change is a global phenomenon, it is individuals who will make a difference in its onset and impact. Accordingly, his suggested solutions will bear close scrutiny. As well as Kyoto's broad view, Henson examines the alternatives or enhancements for their likely effectiveness. The recent initiative by The Asia-Pacific Partnership, based on voluntary controls and shared technologies, is covered, as is the Contraction and Convergence model. Most importantly, the author's coverage of personal changes in energy consumption and pollution reduction is very helpful. He makes clear that none of the steps requires drastic change in lifestyle nor the outlay of substantial funds. To this end he closes with a list of useful resources of information on all aspects of the topic. If there is a shortcoming in this book, it is the process used to save paper and money. The reduced size of the volume means packing all that information into a small space. The typeface is miniscule and the reading can be excruciating. Energy-saving lightbulbs in your house may lead to impaired vision from sifting through so much information. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Clarity about Climate ****
This book is well organized and well written. The subject of climate change is not an easy one, and here Robert Henson has given explanation that any thoughtful reader should be able to understand. Maps, graphs, and pictures help to give life to the text. Short biographies of some of the main participants in the debate about global warming are interesting and revealing. On a subject so important, the book is an important contribution to citizens who want to be better informed. The print is very small, so people with eye-strain need to be warned, but even for that part of the audience, there are sections of the text that can stand alone and still be interesting and informative.

Clarity about Climate ****

This book is well organized and well written. The subject of climate change is not an easy one, and here Robert Henson has given explanation that any thoughtful reader should be able to understand. Maps, graphs, and pictures help to give life to the text. Short biographies of some of the main participants in the debate about global warming are interesting and revealing. On a subject so important, the book is an important contribution to citizens who want to be better informed. The print is very small, so people with eye-strain need to be warned, but even for that part of the audience, there are sections of the text that can stand alone and still be interesting and informative.

Excellent, but some rough spots. *****
Though small in size, this book is thorough and packed with the latest information about climate change. The margins are not overly generous. The typography is tight. The binding is excellent, with informative fold-out graphics on the front and back covers. A bargain price for such a well-edited, well-researched and well-constructed book. Although the book may be intended for the non-specialist, I would recommend that all university students of atmospheric sciences read this book. I will be recommending this book as a supplementary text in university courses -- a purpose probably not intended for this sort of book. The book is not mathematical. Nevertheless, many issues are raised that will invite formal mathematical analysis in the classroom. The book has some rough spots. Indeed the rough spots provide the invitations for a mathematical re-examination. page 16: "Even if we turned off every fuel-burning machine on earth tomorrow, climate modellers tell us that the world would warm at least another 0.5 C (0.9 F) as oceans slowly release the heat they've collected in recent decades." This should be stated as "...as oceans slowly warm and adjust toward the new radiative equilibrium state with higher greenhouse gas concentrations." page 100: "Even if we stopped emitting greenhouse gases tomorrow, we're committed to some amount of warming...as the heat tucked away from the deep oceans gradually seeps upward." This is the same mistake as on page 16. Even with CO2 fixed at the current 380 ppmv the oceans and atmosphere would warm for decades, with heat seeping downward into the oceans. The warming will be caused by more radiation entering the atmosphere than leaving. Another way to repair the sentence is to state: "Even if we returned greenhouse gases to preindustrial values tomorrow, we're committed to elevated temperatures for many decades...as the heat tucked away from the deep ocean gradually seeps upward." page 36: "...greenhouse gases carry several times more punch when they are emitted at altitude". The word should be "exist" rather than "emitted". The lifetime of a CO2 molecule in the atmosphere is a "century" (p. 24). And on page 29: "the gas should be well mixed throughout Earth's atmosphere". On page 172: "Longer-lived greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, are thoroughly mixed across the troposphere, both horizontally and vertically". For a greenhouse gas molecule that will exist in the atmosphere for 100 years, what difference does it make as to where it was released? page 166: "Nobody doubts the existence of the heat-island effect, by which dense buildings and paved areas of cities absorb heat and ricochet it through the the city air." A more rigorous explanation of the heat-island effect is warranted, preferably one that doesn't use the word "ricochet", and one that uses energy balance principles. The wikipedia has a decent summary of the physics. page 172: "Since ozone absorbs sunlight, its partial loss in the lower stratosphere for the last twenty years or so has allowed temperatures there to plummet..". It would be worthwhile to mention that declining tempertures in the upper stratosphere are primarily attributable to increasing carbon dioxide. The cooling is happening right on schedule, and accord with our theories of atmospheric radiation. Indeed, radiative energy balance analysis (of the sort that exists in all climate models) shows that a cooling of the stratosphere amplifies the warming of the troposphere and surface. page 304: "Hydrogen, the simplest and most abundant element on Earth...". Geology classes teach 34.6% Iron, 29.5% Oxygen, 15.2% Silicon, ... If we substitute "in the universe" for "on Earth", the statement is true.

Excellent, but some rough spots. *****

Though small in size, this book is thorough and packed
with the latest information about climate change. The
margins are not overly generous. The typography is tight.
The binding is excellent, with informative fold-out
graphics on the front and back covers. A bargain price
for such a well-edited, well-researched and well-constructed book.

Although the book may be intended for the non-specialist,
I would recommend that all university students of
atmospheric sciences read this book. I will be
recommending this book as a supplementary text in
university courses -- a purpose probably not intended
for this sort of book. The book is not mathematical.
Nevertheless, many issues are raised that will invite
formal mathematical analysis in the classroom.

The book has some rough spots. Indeed the rough spots
provide the invitations for a mathematical re-examination.

page 16: "Even if we turned off every fuel-burning
machine on earth tomorrow, climate modellers tell us
that the world would warm at least another 0.5 C
(0.9 F) as oceans slowly release the heat they've
collected in recent decades." This should be stated as
"...as oceans slowly warm and adjust toward the new
radiative equilibrium state with higher greenhouse gas concentrations."

page 100: "Even if we stopped emitting greenhouse gases
tomorrow, we're committed to some amount of warming...as
the heat tucked away from the deep oceans gradually seeps
upward." This is the same mistake as on page 16. Even
with CO2 fixed at the current 380 ppmv the oceans and
atmosphere would warm for decades, with heat seeping
downward into the oceans. The warming will be caused by
more radiation entering the atmosphere than leaving.
Another way to repair the sentence is to state: "Even
if we returned greenhouse gases to preindustrial values
tomorrow, we're committed to elevated temperatures for
many decades...as the heat tucked away from the deep
ocean gradually seeps upward."

page 36: "...greenhouse gases carry several times more
punch when they are emitted at altitude". The word
should be "exist" rather than "emitted". The lifetime
of a CO2 molecule in the atmosphere is a "century" (p. 24).
And on page 29: "the gas should be well mixed throughout
Earth's atmosphere". On page 172: "Longer-lived greenhouse
gases, such as carbon dioxide, are thoroughly mixed across
the troposphere, both horizontally and vertically". For a
greenhouse gas molecule that will exist in the atmosphere
for 100 years, what difference does it make as to where
it was released?

page 166: "Nobody doubts the existence of the heat-island
effect, by which dense buildings and paved areas of cities
absorb heat and ricochet it through the the city air."
A more rigorous explanation of the heat-island effect is
warranted, preferably one that doesn't use the word
"ricochet", and one that uses energy balance principles.
The wikipedia has a decent summary of the physics.

page 172: "Since ozone absorbs sunlight, its partial loss
in the lower stratosphere for the last twenty years or so
has allowed temperatures there to plummet..". It would
be worthwhile to mention that declining tempertures in
the upper stratosphere are primarily attributable to
increasing carbon dioxide. The cooling is happening
right on schedule, and accord with our theories of
atmospheric radiation. Indeed, radiative energy balance
analysis (of the sort that exists in all climate models)
shows that a cooling of the stratosphere amplifies the
warming of the troposphere and surface.

page 304: "Hydrogen, the simplest and most abundant element
on Earth...". Geology classes teach 34.6% Iron, 29.5% Oxygen,
15.2% Silicon, ... If we substitute "in the universe" for
"on Earth", the statement is true.

Good Book on Subject *****
The Rough Guide to Climate Change is very good introduction to the most serious issues facing the human race. This book is science-based and succeeds in explaining the current situation with background information along with possible solutions. The guide looks at: visible symptoms of change from a warming planet; how global warming works; the evolution of our atmosphere over the last 4.5 billion years; what computer simulations of climate reveal about our past, present, and future; the sceptics: Who are they? What are their grounds for disagreeing with the crowd? Battle of the titans: the oil industry vs the global commons; global warming in the media: A review of the last few decades; global solutions: What governments and scientists are doing to try and solve the problem; and lots more. The guide also includes lifestyle advice and tips for consumers who want to make a difference in tomorrow's climate, and comes complete with a glossary of websites for further information. Written in an easy to understand way, by a scientist who has a deep knowledge of the subject and practices what he preaches - he is a keen cyclist and you will be surprised to learn is American.

Good Book on Subject *****

The Rough Guide to Climate Change is very good introduction to the most serious issues facing the human race. This book is science-based and succeeds in explaining the current situation with background information along with possible solutions. The guide looks at: visible symptoms of change from a warming planet; how global warming works; the evolution of our atmosphere over the last 4.5 billion years; what computer simulations of climate reveal about our past, present, and future; the sceptics: Who are they? What are their grounds for disagreeing with the crowd? Battle of the titans: the oil industry vs the global commons; global warming in the media: A review of the last few decades; global solutions: What governments and scientists are doing to try and solve the problem; and lots more. The guide also includes lifestyle advice and tips for consumers who want to make a difference in tomorrow's climate, and comes complete with a glossary of websites for further information. Written in an easy to understand way, by a scientist who has a deep knowledge of the subject and practices what he preaches - he is a keen cyclist and you will be surprised to learn is American.

Essential reading *****
This is a concise, readable, well-substantiated account of both the state of current climate change science and the political conflict surrounding it. We all need to be reading this.

Essential reading *****

This is a concise, readable, well-substantiated account of both the state of current climate change science and the political conflict surrounding it. We all need to be reading this.

The Rough Guide to Climate Change *****
This is my area of work within a very large corporation. Usually references in this topic are either of the too broad hug-the-planet type or too focussed technical analysis. This strikes a good middle ground. The sources are 'safe' and given, and where there is debate over causes of certain events this is given an airing in a balanced way. I wasn't expecting this to be up to much, being a Rough Guide. How could anyone write a rough guide on climate change? But Robert Henson has done just that. It is rough, but mostly there. Bare in mind that for every page you read, there is a whole army of researchers in heated debate and analysis on the topic. It is a light overview OK for bedtime/train reading, but a very good introduction to the most serious issues facing the human race. Puts petty human conflict into perspective.

The Rough Guide to Climate Change *****

This is my area of work within a very large corporation. Usually references in this topic are either of the too broad hug-the-planet type or too focussed technical analysis. This strikes a good middle ground. The sources are 'safe' and given, and where there is debate over causes of certain events this is given an airing in a balanced way. I wasn't expecting this to be up to much, being a Rough Guide. How could anyone write a rough guide on climate change? But Robert Henson has done just that. It is rough, but mostly there.

Bare in mind that for every page you read, there is a whole army of researchers in heated debate and analysis on the topic. It is a light overview OK for bedtime/train reading, but a very good introduction to the most serious issues facing the human race. Puts petty human conflict into perspective.

Everything you ever wanted to know about climate change, and possibly more *****
I really recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about this topical and important issue. It covers all bases...from the science behind climate change and ways in which the planet is already struggling to cope with increasing temperatures, through to technological, political and personal solutions to the problem. Unlike much of the press coverage, the book doesn't deal in hyperbole, but instead acts as a factual, clear and well-balanced guide for anyone with an interest in the future of our planet. A highly enjoyable and thought-provoking read, and the handy index at the back means you'll be returning to it time and time again.

Everything you ever wanted to know about climate change, and possibly more *****

I really recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about this topical and important issue. It covers all bases...from the science behind climate change and ways in which the planet is already struggling to cope with increasing temperatures, through to technological, political and personal solutions to the problem. Unlike much of the press coverage, the book doesn't deal in hyperbole, but instead acts as a factual, clear and well-balanced guide for anyone with an interest in the future of our planet. A highly enjoyable and thought-provoking read, and the handy index at the back means you'll be returning to it time and time again.