Third edition · Cambridge University Press
Introduction to
Modern Climate Change
A quantitative introduction to the science, economics, and policy of climate change — written for science and non-science students alike, and requiring no mathematics beyond simple algebra.
ISBN 978-1-108-79387-2
Paperback · 2021
Understand the problem. Engage with the solutions.
The book is tightly focused on anthropogenic climate change. It combines an introduction to the physical science with the economic and policy questions that shape the public debate, so that students finish the course able to reason about both.
Every chapter on this site carries additional readings, datasets, and links that extend the material in the text. Instructors are welcome to use them directly in their courses.
Contents
Fourteen chapters
- 01An Introduction to the Climate Problem
- 02Is the Climate Changing?
- 03Radiation and Energy Balance
- 04A Simple Climate Model
- 05The Carbon Cycle
- 06Forcing, Feedbacks, and Climate Sensitivity
- 07Why is the Climate Changing?
- 08Predictions of Future Climate Change
- 09Impacts of Climate Change
- 10Exponential Growth
- 11Fundamentals of Climate Change Policy
- 12Mitigation Policy
- 13A Brief History of Climate Science and Politics
- 14Putting It All Together: A Long-term Policy to Address Climate Change
Reviews
“At last, a textbook about the scientific basis for global climate change that's well balanced, well written, highly illuminating, and accessible to non-science majors.”
“… Dessler presents the material in a clear manner and does it without drawing on mathematics any more difficult than simple algebra. … I recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about climate change and the challenges it presents to humanity.”