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Awards
OverviewDecisively cutting through the hyperbole on both sides of the debate, distinguished NASA climatologist Claire L. Parkinson brings much-needed balance and perspective to the highly contentious issue of climate change. Offering a deeply knowledgeable overview of global conditions past and present, the author lays out a compelling argument that our understandings and models are inadequate for confident predictions of the intended and unintended consequences of various projects now under consideration to modify future climate. In one compact volume, Parkinson presents a coherent synopsis of the 4.6-billion-year history of climate change on planet Earth-both before and after humans became a significant factor-and explores current concerns regarding continued global warming and its possible consequences. She ranges over the massive geoengineering schemes being proposed and why we need to be cautious about them, the limitations of current global climate models and projections, the key arguments made by those skeptical of the mainstream views, and the realistic ways we can lessen destructive human impacts on our planet. While discussing all of these polarizing topics, the author consistently shows respect for the views of alarmists, skeptics, and the vast majority of people whose positions lie somewhere between those two extremes. The book clarifies some of the most contentious points in the climate debate, and in the process treats us to a fascinating discussion interweaving Earth history, science, the history of science, and human nature. Readers will be rewarded with a genuine understanding of a complex issue that could be among the most important facing humankind in the coming decades. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Claire L. Parkinson , Lonnie G ThompsonPublisher: Rowman & Littlefield Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Dimensions: Width: 16.30cm , Height: 2.90cm , Length: 23.80cm Weight: 0.680kg ISBN: 9780742556157ISBN 10: 0742556158 Pages: 432 Publication Date: 16 July 2010 Audience: General/trade , General Format: Hardback Publisher's Status: Out of Print Availability: In Print  Limited stock is available. It will be ordered for you and shipped pending supplier's limited stock. Table of ContentsPart I: The Earth System and Its Ever-Changing Nature Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: 4.6 Billion Years of Global Change Chapter 3: Abrupt Climate Change Part II: The Human Factor Chapter 4: A Short History of Human Impacts Chapter 5: The Future: Why Some People Are So Concerned while Others Aren't Part III: Good Intentions and Geoengineering Chapter 6: Good Intentions Gone Awry Chapter 7: Geoengineering Schemes Chapter 8: The Record on Smaller-Scale Attempted Modifications Part IV: Further Cautionary Considerations Chapter 9: The Possible Fallibility of Even a Strong Consensus Chapter 10: The Unknown Future: Model Limitations Chapter 11: Compounding Social Pressures Part V: Avoiding Paralysis despite Uncertainty Chapter 12: What Are the Alternatives? Chapter 13: Closing PleaReviewsClaire Parkinson is an accomplished, respected, and widely published scientist whose opinions on climate change and its solutions are well worth our attention. . . . Parkinson provides an excellent overview of Earth history, the factors affecting Earth s climate and environment, and how those factors have changed over time. . . . She recommends that humanity exhibit extreme caution when considering geoengineering projects. At this juncture in Earth history, the stakes could not be higher as 6.8 billion people currently rely upon the Earth system for survival.--Lonnie Thompson, The Ohio State University Claire Parkinson is an accomplished, respected, and widely published scientist whose opinions on climate change and its solutions are well worth our attention. . . . Parkinson provides an excellent overview of Earth history, the factors affecting Earth 's climate and environment, and how those factors have changed over time. . . . She recommends that humanity exhibit extreme caution when considering geoengineering projects. At this juncture in Earth history, the stakes could not be higher as 6.8 billion people currently rely upon the Earth system for survival.--Lonnie Thompson This is a book that the author was compelled to write and that everyone needs to read. The climate debate is fierce and polarized, resulting in serious public confusion. Dr. Parkinson has a reasoned, nonadversarial way of illuminating key contentious issues that must be clearly understood before policymakers consider launching initiatives with potentially huge economic and environmental consequences.--Stephen P. Leatherman Author InformationClaire L. Parkinson is a senior fellow and climatologist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, where she has worked for more than 30 years. An award-winning scientist, she is especially well known for her research on polar sea ice and its connections to the broader climate system, which is complemented by her role as Project Scientist for the Aqua satellite mission. She is the author of several books, including Earth from Above: Using Color-Coded Satellite Images to Examine the Global Environment and Our Changing Planet: The View from Space. She lives in the Washington, DC, area. Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |
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