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Describes the forces that shape the earth's climate and how climate change, particularly greenhouse warming, may impact ecosystems and agriculture. Past climates and past ecosystem changes are reviewed in order to best understand the future. Scientists are predicting a 3 C increase in the Earth's climate within 75 to 100 years. This rate of temperature change and the warmer conditions will stress many organisms and probably realign some ecosystems. Special events, such as El Nino and the stratospheric ozone hole, are significant features of global change considered.

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CHOICE Review

Gates, a well-recognized expert on climate, provides an in-depth, critical analysis of the causes and biological consequences of global warming. The first chapter deals with the incontrovertible evidence for global warming, an in-depth discussion of greenhouse gases, and description of major global climate models. Past climates and the methodology for their determination constitute the second chapter, which is followed by a well-articulated presentation on plant physiognomy and physiology. Subsequent chapters deal with past vegetational changes; forest models, and the sensitivity of forests to temperature changes; responses of ecosystems and major animal groups to climate change; and agriculture, droughts, and El Ni~no. However, the final chapter, "What to Do?" lacks the forthrightness and insight of the preceding discussions. Abundant black-and-white graphs and figures, a glossary, a list of acronyms and abbreviations, references cited (selective), and an adequate index complete this small, intensive work. Advanced undergraduate through professional. E. J. Kormondy; University of Hawaii at Hilo