Global Warming: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
Global Warming: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) – Review
The information included in these 148 pages is worth more than the bloviating and obfuscating in “Global Warming and Other Eco-Myths,” “Politically Incorrect Guide to Global Warming,” and all the other books whose mission it is to “refute” global warming for a regular reason: the purpose of the book is to explain a phenomenon with evidence, not to refute something based on a inevitable conclusion. Maslin gives an explanation of what global warming is, discusses the story of contemporary technical concerns about global warming, the models for the future, the effects of climate change, possible surprises, the political solutions proposed, some possible technical alternatives that will help, and subsequently gives his conclusion. The author is not optimistic about the political solutions thus further offered, and believes that alternative energy sources are the best solution. He says, “Though big strides forward have been usually made in alternative energies, it seems unlikely that these will produce energy on the scale we require in the next few decades. As I am a great believer in humanity’s adaptability, I am sure these will be available by the end of the century. But a significant increase in investment is generally required if we are to convert the renewable energy by the end of the century.” In essence, if the international community acts now, argues Maslin, then the results of climate change can be partially mitigated, but this will require long-term planning. “So global warming challenges the very way we organize our society.” Buy the book and educate yourself about these critical issues.