Does the Weather Really Matter?: The Social Implications of Climate Change

ISBN-13: 9780521561266 / Angielski / Twarda / 1997 / 244 str.

William S. Burroughs

Opis

We talk about it endlessly, write about it copiously, and predict it badly. It influences what we do, what we wear, and how we live. Weather--how does it really impact our lives? In this compelling look at weather, author Burroughs combines historical perspective and economic and political analysis to give the impact of weather and climate change relevance and weight. He examines whether the frequency of extreme events is changing and the consequences of these changes. He looks at the chaotic nature of the climate and how this unpredictability can impose serious limits on how we plan for the future. Finally, he poses the important question: what types of serious, even less predictable changes are around the corner? In balanced and accessible prose, Burroughs works these issues into lucid analysis. This refreshing and insightful look at the impact of weather will appeal to anyone who has ever worried about forgetting an umbrella. William James Burroughs is the author of Watching the World's Weather (CUP, 1991) and Weather Cycles: Real or Imaginary? (CUP, 1994).

Recenzje

'While there are many excellent books focusing on their own cluster of key climate change topics, Burrough's work deserves to sit alongside these on the bookshelf of anyone who has a serious interest in the subject. For those whose interest is more casual, this title, with its New Scientist level of writing, provides an excellent grounding as to why meetings of politicians, such as took place at Kyoto, are so important even if our statesmen are taking a while to get their act together.' Jonathan Cowie, Chemistry and Industry

Spis treści

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. The historical evidence; 3. Cold winters; 4. Storms, floods and droughts; 5. How much do we know about climatic change?; 6. Models of the climate and the economy; 7. Consequences of forecasting; 8. Conclusions; References; Index.