Includes bibliographical references and index.

"Examines national and international laws and institutions governing human-mediated climate change. Issues examined include public perceptions and economic effects of climate change and policies to mitigate it, renewable electricity standards, vehicle fuel economy standards, cap-and-trade regimes, carbon taxes, and the adaptation-versus-mitigation debate"--Provided by publisher. Introduction : The challenges of U.S. climate governance / Barry G. Rabe -- American public opinion and climate change / Christopher P. Borick -- Compensatory federalism / Martha Derthick -- The politics of vertical diffusion : the states and climate change / Paul L. Posner -- The emerging revolution in emission trading policy / Leigh Raymond -- The "impossible dream" of carbon taxes : is the "best answer" a political non-starter? / Barry G. Rabe -- The long and winding road : automotive fuel economy and American politics / Pietro S. Nivola -- Encouraging renewable electricity to promote climate change mitigation / Ian H. Rowlands -- Adapting to climate change : problems and prospects / Marc Landy -- Courts and climate policy : now and in the future / Kirsten H. Engel -- Can Congress govern the climate? / Barry G. Rabe -- Greenhouse regulation / how capable is EPA? / Walter Rosenbaum -- Re-engaging international climate governance : challenges and opportunities for the United States / Stacy D. VanDeveer and Hanrik Selin -- Multilevel governance and transatlantic climate change politics / Henrik Selin and Stacy D. VanDeveer -- Conclusion / Barry G. Rabe