Climate: Causes and Effects of Climate Change (Our Fragile Planet)

Though climate change is normal in Earth's history, global warming has raised average temperatures to their highest in two millennia, resulting in melting ice caps, shorter winters, changes in the seasonal behaviors of animals, and more extreme weather. And though greenhouse gases are essential for keeping the planet's temperatures comfortable, fossil fuel burning and other human activities are increasing greenhouse gas levels and causing temperatures to rise. While a decade ago many scientists were skeptical that human activities could impact the climate system, their models now show that only human activities can account for the magnitude of changes being seen. "Climate" is a timely new book that discusses the issue of global warming and what we can do to prevent its rise. Highly visual and written in a clear, accessible manner, this book adresses how people must use energy more efficiently, develop alternative energy sources, and lower emissions technologies Discusses how human-related activities are contributing to the warming of the Earth's climate, describes the effects of climate change on people and the environment, and outlines measures that can be taken to help manage the problem.