Climate Change in Practice
Topics for Discussion with Group Exercises

This accessible book challenges and provokes readers by posing a series of topical questions concerning climate change and society.

Robert L. Wilby (Author)

9781107143456, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 April 2017

362 pages, 20 b/w illus. 74 colour illus. 16 maps
23.5 x 15.6 x 2 cm, 0.72 kg

'A well chosen title! … This is a textbook, though the object is not to unravel the science of climate change - it's what follows that is the subject of the book. It also claims to be relevant for undergraduates in many degree courses. I think that the author and publisher are doing themselves a disservice. It is for all of us to contribute solutions to the problem and to do something positive, as well as convincing others to do likewise. So I recommend that you find time to read it.' Martin Hutchins, Royal Meteorological Society

Derived from an undergraduate course taught by the author, this accessible book seeks to challenge and provoke readers by posing a series of topical questions concerning climate change and society. Topic summaries provide answers to technical, socio-economic and moral questions surrounding the deployment of climate science. These include how to build and test a climate model, whom and what is most at risk from climate change, and whether we should geoengineer the climate. Practical exercises and case studies provide deeper insights by taking readers through role-play activities and authentic climate change projects. Supporting materials, including notes for instructors and students, graphics, video-clips, games, and online resources, offer scope for further private study and group work. With a focus on applying climate science in practice, this book is ideal for students of geography, natural science, engineering and economics, as well as practitioners involved in the climate service industry.

Preface
1. What is the average global temperature and how has it changed?
2. Why does climate change?
3. What does it take to build a model of the climate system?
4. How trustworthy are climate models?
5. What is the purpose of regional climate downscaling?
6. What is the 'uncertainty cascade' and why does it matter?
7. What shapes climate vulnerability?
8. When are climate forecasts good enough to take action?
9. Whom or what are most at risk from climate change?
10. How can urbanites avoid becoming climate victims or villains?
11. What is dangerous climate change?
12. Why and how are carbon footprints measured?
13. How to decarbonise economies?
14. How is it possible to adapt to an uncertain climate?
15. Could or should humankind geoengineer Earth?
16. How is climate change communicated?
17. Who are climate experts?
18. How connected is climate change to other global challenges?
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Environmental monitoring [TQD], Social impact of environmental issues [RNT], Climate change [RNPG], Conservation of the environment [RNK], Environmental management [RNF], Meteorology & climatology [RBP], Hydrology & the hydrosphere [RBK], Environment, transport & planning law [LNK]