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Library Journal Review
Starting about 1988 when the issue of global warming caused by the greenhouse effect became a cause celebre, many gloom-and-doom books came out predicting the imminent demise of the planet. Some were sensationalized for shock effect, and some were serious works backed by scientific study (e.g., Stephen Schneider's Global Warming , LJ 12/89, and Francis Lyman's The Greenhouse Trap , LJ 4/15/90). Newton's work is more cautious. It is not a definitive study of the subject but contains useful auxiliary information. It includes a chronology of global warming from 2.5 million years ago to the present; a group of biographical sketches of important people in the field; a section of statistical information; a directory of organizations; a list of state programs; an annotated bibliography of books, reports, nonprint sources, and computer programs; a glossary; and a comprehensive index. Recommended for academic and public libraries.-- Eugenia C. Adams, Univ. of Houston-Downtown Lib. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
CHOICE Review
This timely, up-to-date handbook is welcomed for its coherence, cogency, and comprehensiveness on the hotly debated topic of global warming. Newton, a prolific free-lance writer, employs his descriptive skills admirably in translating the plethora of evidence--often conflicting, and opinion--decidedly conflicting, into very readable and understandable prose acquitting his goal of providing information to concerned citizens. Beginning with a quick but very adequate review of changes in the earth's climate over time, the author clearly covers points of disagreement and the social, political, and economic issues involved. Two excellent sections follow: one, a chronology of global warming beginning 2.5 million years before the present through 1992; the other, biographical sketches of the important historical and contemporary contributors to the field. Well-chosen graphs elucidate the various factors and effects involved in global warming (e.g., increases in carbon dioxide and methane levels, changes in sea level). As a good reference book should, there are an excellent directory of organizations and a bibliography of print and nonprint resources. A nontechnical glossary is followed by a very adequate index. General; community college; undergraduate. E. J. Kormondy; emeritus, University of Hawaii at Hilo
Booklist Review
Global warming brings visions of melting ice caps, rising oceans, inundated shores, and general disaster. However, there is no consensus on when this will happen, if ever, and, if it happens, what can be done to reverse it. This new title in ABC-Clio's Contemporary World Issues series collects data and historical insights on various aspects of global warming. A little less than two-thirds of the text discusses theories and other interesting topics. This section also includes a brief chronology, some biographical sketches, and facts, data, and opinions. Some of the 23 biographical sketches really do not add much. For instance, George Bush's contributions to this issue were minor. He is included along with researchers in the field. The facts, data, and opinion chapter, however, does bring together some scattered statistics on impact, recommendations, and legal aspects. For reference purposes, the last third of the book is the most useful. It contains a directory of governmental and nongovernmental organizations; print resources, including books, reports, and newsletters; selected nonprint resources; a glossary; and a list of acronymns and abbreviations. Although all of this information can be found by looking through numerous other sources, it is a great help to have it all brought together in one place. Each directory entry includes address and telephone and fax numbers as well as a brief description. All print and nonprint entries are fully annotated. This is a well-written, unbiased book, intended to present an overview together with guidance on where to go for further information. It would be a good resource for high-school libraries as well as academic and public libraries. (Reviewed Jan. 15, 1994)
