Product Description

In this accessible primer, Dessler and Parson combine their expertise in atmospheric science and public policy to help scientists, policy makers, and the public sort through the conflicting claims in the climate-change debate. The authors explain how scientific and policy debates work, summarize present scientific knowledge and uncertainty about climate change, and discuss the available policy options. Along the way, they explain WHY the debate is so confusing. Anyone with an interest in how science is used in policy debates will find this discussion illuminating. The book requires no specialized knowledge, but is accessible to any college-educated general reader who wants to make more sense of the climate change debate. It can also be used as a textbook to explain the details of the climate-change debate, or as a resource for science students or working scientists, to explain how science is used in policy debates.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #99966 in Books
• Published on: 2006-01-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 200 pages

Review
'… there is a real need for a comprehensive book on climate change … The Science and Politics of Global Climate Change is it. It does exactly what the title and subtitle promise, providing insights into the causes and effects of the contributing meteorological phenomena and into why it has been so hard to get consensus among governments … copies should be shipped to anyone who doubts the reality of climate change, starting with presidents in denial.' New Scientist

'… requires no specialised knowledge, but is accessible to any educated general reader who wants to make more sense of the climate change debate. It also sheds light on how science is used in policy debates.' The Chemical Engineer

‘Each of the key aspects of global climate change is covered, with up-to-date and well-referenced information throughout. Its impressive breadth and the provision of succinct overviews of source material in the further reading sections of each chapter mean that teachers, lecturers and researchers will all find this book a useful starting point for in-depth study. There are now numerous taught masters courses on 'global change issues', and this book constitutes a must-have addition to their reading lists. … read the book in its entirety - it is well worth it.’ Times Higher Education Supplement

'This is an excellent way into the subject for the beginner … one of the most lucid and readable introductory accounts of the topic that has been published in some while. As such it should be seen as a 'must-buy' and an essential addition to the library.' TENews

'This is a book which all scientists and the educated general public should read and reflect upon before it is too late to halt the apparently inevitable progress to Armageddon.' Chromatographia

'… a useful compendium of the current debates in the science and politics of climate change … succinct and consistent book … it should become a key reading and teaching source in geography and environmental sciences. It can also be valuable to doctoral students and senior researchers interested in learning about climate change science and politics … a book worth having on one's shelf.' Environmental Sciences

'As more and more extreme weather events around the globe are being associated with climate change, it is sometimes difficult to be able to see the wood for the trees, but this book takes the reader very clearly through the 'maze' of claims and counter-claims. … if only government leaders would read, digest and follow up some of the suggestions in the last chapter, there would be optimism that the problem can be overcome. As always with Cambridge University Press, the book, which is illustrated with diagrams, charts and boxes, is impeccably produced, and is an absolute 'must' for every reader of this journal.' The International Journal of Meteorology

'Written by an atmospheric scientist and a law professor with extensive public policy experience, the book efffectively tackles the rough-and-tumble intersection of science and policy that has led to confusion and inaction … The scholarly value of [the book] is indisputable. Dessler and Parson independently possess significant authority on both the science and the politics of climate change. Their treatment of the subject illustrates the complexity of the problem with remarkable ease and clarity … the carefully thought-through recommendations make this book critical reading for policymakers … considering action on the issue.' Maria Ivanova, The College of William and Mary

'… coverage and presentation of climate science and policy [is] commendable … a good candidate for a primer for multidisciplinary classes devoted to climate policy …' Randall M Wigle, Wilfrid Laurier University

'… both insightful and engaging … the book is also highly readable and well suited to reach a wide audience. That's good, because the gaps in understanding between scientists, policy makers, journalists, and the public remain a major barrier to the adoption of sensible responses to the problem. Dessler and Parson's book will help because it provides us with a sound and thoughtful guide to the climate change debate.' American Meteorological Society

'The Science and Politics of Global Climate Change: A Guide to the debate by Andrew Dessler and Edward Parson is an excellent attempt at deconstructing the confusion that surrounds the climate-change debate. This reviewer has been waiting some time for a book such as this to appear.…The Science and politics of climate change are brought together quite seamlessly,…Dessler and Parson's book is a must for those who want to move beyond the rhetoric and understand the relationship between climate science policy, and also for those seeking an interdisciplinary outlook on the management of global environmental issues.' Times Higher Education Supplement

'This book will be most useful to undergraduates and post-graduates in the fields of environmental science, sustainability and international politics. Each of the key aspects of global climate change is covered, with up-to-date and well referenced information throughout. its impressive breadth and the provision of succinct overviews of source material in the further reading sections of each chapter mean that teachers will all find this book a useful starting point for in-depth study. … as a primer that brings together global climate- change science and politics it succeeds very well indeed.' Times Higher Education Supplement

'This important book will be as valuable to informed lay persons, as to policy makers in government, industry and the wider community. While this is a political book, it is also a valid general primer about the science-policy interface. Furthermore, it serves as a model of how to clarify complex problems for lay persons through careful logic, wise choice of supporting literature, consistent definition of technical terms and clear writing.' Ecoscience

'…Dessler and Parson succeed in making both science and policy accessible to a wide readership. … The book - which is well-illustrated with easy-to-grasp figures…would also make an excellent resource for a high school or college-level survey course in either environmental studies or public policy.' Eos, Transactions, American Geophysical Union

Customer Reviews

A must-buy for those interested in climate change
This is an excellent way into the subject for the beginner. There's some very sound science, most of which is agreed upon and a good understanding of how policy making works, or doesn't. The two ideas are brought together along with a discussion as to how we might proceed. One of the strengths of the book is the frequent use of boxes to put alternative viewpoints and summaries to show where we are in the debate. The overall effect is one of the most lucid and readable introductory accounts of the topic that has been published in some while. As such it should be seen as a 'must-buy' and an essential addition to the library.