The Science and Politics of Global Climate Change
A Guide to the Debate

Provides concise, thorough overview of science, technology, economics, policy, politics of climate change in a single volume.

Andrew E. Dessler (Author), Edward A. Parson (Author)

9781316631324, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 August 2019

278 pages, 28 b/w illus.
24.5 x 17.5 x 1.4 cm, 0.57 kg

'I found this book a rich source of information and it will help any interested reader to better understand the complexities of climate change science and politics. In sum, the authors have made an important and much-needed step in bringing climate science and politics together in a single, accessible volume which will be of value to a wide range of readers.' Anna Pigott, Swansea University

This third edition has been comprehensively updated to reflect the large changes in scientific knowledge and policy debates on climate change since the previous edition in 2009. It provides a concise but thorough overview of the science, technology, economics, policy, and politics of climate change in a single volume. It explains how scientific and policy debates work, outlines the scientific evidence for the reality and seriousness of climate change and the basic atmospheric science that supports it, and discusses policy options and the current state of the policy debate. By pulling these elements together, the book explains why the issue can be so confusing and provides guidance on practical routes forward. Anyone interested in climate change, the global environment, or how science is used in policy debates should read this book. It is the ideal textbook for undergraduate or graduate courses in environmental policy and climate change.

1. Global climate change: a new type of environmental problem
2. Science, politics, and science in politics. 3. Human-induced climate change: present scientific knowledge and uncertainties
4. Climate change policy: impacts, assessments, and responses
5. Climate policy and politics in 2019, and a path forward.

Subject Areas: Social impact of environmental issues [RNT], Environmental economics [KCN], Comparative politics [JPB], Political science & theory [JPA]