Climate Change [4 volumes]

This book provides a holistic consideration of climate change that goes beyond pure science, fleshing out the discussion by considering cultural, historical, and policy-driven aspects of this important issue.Climate change is a controversial topic that promises to reframe rudimentary ideas about our world and how we will live in it. The articles in Climate Change: An Encyclopedia of Science and History are designed to inform readers' decision making through the insight of scholars from around the world, each of whom brings a unique approach to this topic. The work goes beyond pure science to consider other important factors, weighing the cultural, historical, and policy-driven contributors to this issue. In addition, the book explores the ideas that have converged and evolved in order to clarify our current predicament. By considering climate change in this holistic fashion, this reference collection will prepare readers to consider the issue from every angle. Each article in the work is suitable for general readers, particularly students in high school and college, and is intended to inform and educate anyone about climate change, providing valuable information regarding the stages of mitigation and adaptation that are occurring all around us.Contributions from more than 100 expertsExcerpts from reports from international organizations such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)Transcripts of speeches from world leaders on the climate change issueSidebars on the "climate-history connection" explore the possible links between climate and key events through history, such as the Classical Maya collapseEssential, annotated primary sourcesQuotes from policy makers, scientists, eyewitnesses to climate change, and social and cultural leaders

"This timely four-volume work on climate change is dedicated to those affected by Hurricane Sandy. . . . Summing Up: Highly recommended." - Choice, "Climate Change: An Encyclopedia of Science and History affords an excellent historical overview of the topic . . . . Students, researchers, and the general public will find the articles both informative and engaging." - Booklist, Starred Review, "This volume set is a good resource for high school students and college undergraduates to find general information on a wide variety of topics associated with climate change. A nice feature is the Further Reading section at the end of each entry that lists publications and Websites providing additional material." - ARBAonline

Brian C. Black, PhD, is head of the Division of Arts and Humanities and professor in the departments of History and Environmental Studies at Pennsylvania State University, Altoona College, PA.David M. Hassenzahl, PhD, is dean of the School of Sustainability and the Environment at Chatham University.Jennie C. Stephens, PhD, is associate professor of environmental science and policy at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Gary Weisel is professor of physics at Pennsylvania State University, Altoona College, PA. He holds two doctorates, one in Physics from Duke University and one in History of Science from the University of Florida.Nancy Gift, PhD, is Compton Chair of Sustainability at Berea College, Berea, KY.