| Contents Notes |
Signs of change -- Warning signs --Polar changes -- Glacial retreat -- Everyday extremes -- Forcing change -- The greenhouse effect -- The climate system -- Interpreting past climates -- Forecasting future climates -- Driving climate change -- Emissions past and present -- Fossil fuels -- Methane and other gases -- Transportation -- Disrupting the carbon balance -- Agriculture -- Expected consequences -- Disrupted ecosystems -- Threatened water supplies -- Food security -- Threats to health -- Rising sea levels -- Cities at risk -- Cultural losses -- Responding to change -- International action -- Meeting Kyoto targets -- Carbon trading -- Financing responses -- Local commitment -- Carbon dioxide and economic growth -- Renewable energy -- Adapting to change -- Commiting to solutions -- Personal action -- Public action -- Climate change data -- Data table. "Today's headlines and recent events reflect the seriousness of climate change. Heatwaves, droughts and flooding are driving people from their homes, destroying livelihoods and causing death among vulnerable populations. Rigorous in its science and insightful in its message, this atlas examines the possible impact of climate change on our ability to feed the world's people, avoid water shortages, conserve biodiversity, improve health, and preserve cities and cultural treasures. It also reviews historical contributions to greenhouse gas levels, progress in meeting Kyoto commitments and local efforts to meet the challenge of climate change. The atlas covers a wide range of topics, including warning signals, future scenarios, vulnerable populations, health impacts, renewable energy and emissions reduction. With more than 50 full colour maps and graphics, this is an essential resource for policy makers, environmentalists, students and everyone concerned with this pressing subject."--Book cover |
