Introduction to Modern Climate Change

"This book is aimed at non-science-major undergraduates and is tightly focused on the problem of anthropogenic climate change. The first half of the book focuses on the science of modern climate change, including evidence that the Earth is warming and a basic description of climate physics. It also covers concepts like radiative forcing, feedbacks, and the carbon cycle. The book shows many algebraibased calculations to illustrate the science. The second half of the book goes beyond science to address non-science issues such as the economics and our policy options to address climate change. The goal of the book is for a student to leave the class ready to engage in the public policy debate on this issue"--Provided by publisher. Read more... An introduction to the climate problem -- Is the climate changing? -- Radiation and energy balance -- A simple climate model -- The carbon cycle -- Forcing, feedbacks, and climate sensitivity -- Why is the climate changing? -- The future of our climate -- Impacts -- Exponential growth -- Fundamentals of climate change policy -- Mitigation policies -- A brief history of climate science and politics -- Putting it together: a long term policy to address climate change