A History of the Science and Politics of Climate Change
The Role of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

A history of the IPCC for researchers and policy makers in climate change.

Bert Bolin (Author)

9780521088732, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 30 October 2008

292 pages, 9 b/w illus.
21 x 15.1 x 1.6 cm, 0.47 kg

'Bolin's book is a must-read for all persons interested in the development of the climate change challenge.' GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society

How did the global climate change issues emerge? The issue of human-induced global climate change became a major environmental concern during the twentieth century. In response to growing concern about human-induced global climate change, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was formed in 1988. Written by its first chairman, this book is an overview of the history of the IPCC. It describes and evaluates the intricate interplay between key factors in the science and politics of climate change, the strategy that has been followed, and the regretfully slow pace in getting to grips with the uncertainties that have prevented earlier action being taken. The book also highlights the emerging conflict between establishing a sustainable global energy system and preventing a serious change in global climate. This text provides researchers and policy makers with an insight into the history of the politics of climate change.

Foreword
Abbreviations
Part I. The Early History of the Climate Change Issue: 1. Nineteenth century discoveries
2. The natural carbon cycle and life on earth
3. Global research initiatives in meteorology and climatology
4. Early international assessments of climate change
Part II. The Climate Change Issue Becomes One of Global Concern: 5. Setting the stage
6. The scientific basis for a climate convention
7. Serving the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee
8. The IPCC second assessment report
9. In the aftermath of the IPCC second assessment
10. The Kyoto Protocol is agreed and a third assessment begun
11. A decade of hesitance and slow progress
Part III. Are We at a Turning Point in Addressing Climate Change?: 12. Key scientific findings of prime political relevance
13. Climate change and a future sustainable global energy supply
Some concluding remarks
Notes
References
Name index
Subject index.

Subject Areas: Environmental monitoring [TQD], Meteorology & climatology [RBP], Science funding & policy [PDK], Environmental economics [KCN], Politics & government [JP]