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Library Journal Review
Global warming due to the greenhouse effect is potentially one of the greatest challenges to face humans in the future. Schneider, a well-known climatologist and co-author, with Randi Londer, of The Coevolution of Climate and Life ( LJ 5/15/84), explains the greenhouse effect, recounts recent scientific work on atmospheric warming, including uncertainties and controversies, and gives advice on what could be done to ameliorate potential rapid climate change. This is a good, up-to-date book, better for general audiences than The Challenge of Global Warming , edited by Dean Abrahamson ( LJ 6/15/89). And, despite the lack of proper bibliography, this is also a good introduction to the greenhouse problem for students. It is recommended for public and academic libraries.-- Joseph Hannibal, Cleveland Museum of Natural History (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publishers Weekly Review
Climatologist Schneider of the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colo., and coauthor of The Coevolution of Climate and Life , presents in accessible terms scientific facts about the greenhouse effect and global warming, building a convincing argument for concern. After tracing the history of natural climatic changes over the millennia, he assesses the damage done by human interventions in the natural system and surveys the mathematical computer models that allow scientists to predict the future. He outlines some of the things we must do to slow the process and adapt to the drastic changes that are certain to affect the planet. Aware that alarmist predictions can cause controversy and confusion, the author maintains a level-headed tone without minimizing the dangers faced by humankind. This is an important book by a scientist who seeks to educate the public without causing panic. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
School Library Journal Review
YA-- A good introduction to the complexity of environmental issues, Global Warming offers a look at a year in the greenhouse century. The near-future scenarios are frightening, but thought provoking. The public policy issues that will need to be decided on an international/global scale are worthy of discussion at all educational levels. In order to choose the best representatives, the people must be made aware of the options and their consequences so as to make informed decisions. High-school students, especially those who have studied chemistry and physics, will find this an authoritative look at a problem facing the world today. --Carolyn Henebry, Episcopal High School, Bellaire, TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
CHOICE Review
An engaging book by a leading climatologist. In the first third of the book, Schneider provides a lucid explanation of the scientific knowledge about global climate. He reviews what is known about the long-term record of the earth's temperature, the relationships between life and the gaseous composition of the atmosphere, and the large uncertainties involved in making long-term forecasts. Another third of the book concerns the economic and social consequences of global warming. Here, sponsorship by an environmental advocacy group shows through. To his credit, Schneider spells out his value judgments clearly, so appears less pessimistic than his message of gloom and doom would imply. The final portion of the book deals with the role of the scientist in the policy process. The author, an active participant in legislative hearings and a media personality, exemplifies the dilemma facing the scientist who tries to balance and qualify statements when communicating with the general public, whose attention span and technical knowledge are rather limited. He makes it all seem like such fun that many envious scientists probably would like to return in their next incarnations as Stephen Schneider. Highly recommended for all audiences. -M. T. Katzman, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Booklist Review
Climatologist Schneider intelligently and evenhandedly addresses the causes, effects, and impact of global atmospheric changes. The immediate and long-range effects of global warming are addressed within such contexts as agriculture-production levels, human health concerns, and atmospheric pollution. Schneider's own nonalarmist viewpoints as well as those of his colleagues emerge clearly. In perhaps the most interesting chapter, Schneider discusses the media hype surrounding the unusual weather prevalent during the summer of 1988 (when drought, severe heat, and forest fires captured front-page news). This intriguing, comprehensive overview forcefully presents strong evidence supporting claims that the greenhouse effect is a factor in the steady warming of the earth's surface. To include bibliography, index, and charts. --Sue-Ellen Beauregard
