The Regional Impacts of Climate Change
An Assessment of Vulnerability

This book provides the best available base of scientific information on the degree to which human conditions and the natural environment are vulnerable to climate change.

Robert T. Watson (Edited by), Marufu C. Zinyowera (Edited by), Richard H. Moss (Edited by)

9780521634557, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 13 December 1997

528 pages, 66 b/w illus. 24 colour illus. 77 tables
27.9 x 21 x 2.7 cm, 1.18 kg

'In more than 500 pages of tables and analysis, this report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change takes us on a tour of the world, continent by continent, examining the present interaction between climate and natural resources, and how things could change if the earth continues to get warmer … it certainly contains all the information needed for anyone attempting a serious study of the effect of climate on the environment.' William Hartston, The Independent

The degree to which human conditions and the natural environment are vulnerable to the potential effects of climate change is a key concern for governments and the environmental science community worldwide. This book from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides the best available base of scientific information for policymakers and public use. The Regional Impacts of Climate Change: An Assessment of Vulnerability, first published in 1998, reviews information on potential impacts of climate change for ecological systems, water supply, food production, coastal infrastructure, human health, and other resources for ten global regions. It also illustrates that the increasing costs of climate and climate variability, in terms of loss of human life and capital due to floods, storms, and droughts, are a result of the lack of adjustment and response in society's policies and use of resources. This book points to management options that would make many sectors more resilient to current variability in climate and thus help these sectors adapt to future changes in climate.

Summary for policymakers
1. Introduction
2. Africa
3. The Arctic and the Antarctic
4. Australasia
5. Europe
6. Latin America
7. Middle East and Arid Asia
8. North America
9. Small island states
10. Temperate Asia
11. Tropical Asia
Appendices.

Subject Areas: Climate change [RNPG]