Climate Change

In Climate Change: The Science, Impacts and Solutions (2005), scientist and climate expert A. Barrie Pittock presents an in-depth analysis of the climate crisis. This authoritative volume looks at its subject through a variety of different lenses, from the science of a changing climate to the varying viewpoints on the validity and threat of climate change, from what we can learn from historical alterations in the natural world to tangible solutions that could reverse—or, at least, mitigate—the effects of a warming planet. Climate Change includes illustrations and images, extensive endnotes to each chapter, an index, and a glossary of commonly used acronyms.

Pittock opens the book by discussing why climate change matters, both to the planet and to all of us who live on it. The changes that are occurring and will continue to occur are not issues that can be swept under the rug; in a very literal sense, they will make life on Earth extremely challenging—if not outright impossible—in the not-too-distant future. Pittock discusses what climate is, how it is both connected to and separate from weather, and how an increase in greenhouse gasses has essentially turned up the heat on the planet's thermostat.

From here, Pittock explains the observed impacts that are already apparent and how these effects can help scientists project what will happen in the future. Also playing a pivotal role in future projections is the record of past environmental changes and how they influenced the planet: the Ice Age, variations in the Earth's orbit and solar output, volcanoes, cosmic collisions, and aerosol usage. With all of this information, scientists can construct climate models that reflect our current situation as well as future hypotheticals, all based on proven science.



Pittock addresses this issue of proof at length, too. He says, "Uncertainty is inevitable, but risk is certain." While he addresses the uncertainty that goes along with any study of the earth sciences, he underscores that scientists account for uncertainties and variations in the data they produce and the determines they reach. Overwhelmingly, the evidence tips the scales in favor of the fact that climate change is real. Pittock acknowledges that arguments against climate change exist and that skepticism is preventing decisive action. While precautions are always prudent from a scientific perspective, excessive caution is blocking any meaningful resolutions before we can even see what, if anything, will be most effective at fighting this looming threat.

Climate Change examines different scenarios that are likely in the future. These include surface warming, sea level rises, and catastrophic weather events, the scale of which has not been seen in millennia. Every single one of these situations is a reason for concern. They present substantial risks to human life and livelihood; they threaten the delicate ecosystems that hold the Earth in healthy balance; they have global security implications that endanger the safety of entire nations.

Nevertheless, there are potential answers worth exploring. Pittock looks at ways to adapt to a changing climate, as well as methods of lessening the damage already done. These include a more energy-efficient infrastructure; increased solar, wind, and water power usage; geoengineering solutions; and, perhaps most importantly, a radical adjustment in how humans live and consume.



Pittock also delves into the political piece that is so essential to the subject of climate change. Without legislative action on the issue, not much positive change will ever happen. He describes how governments can take control of their emissions, implement better regulations on industry, and provide equal access to climate knowledge across societies of all economic levels. He also addresses the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty that seeks to address climate change on a global level. Pittock devotes individual sections to the unique challenges facing each of the member nations, from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East to the Russian Federation, the United States, and Latin America. Confronting a particularly dire challenge are small island nations, which will be among the first to experience the devastating outcomes of rising sea levels. Entire populations, cultures, and ways of life are in the direct line of fire.

However, Pittock reminds readers, we need to look beyond the Kyoto Protocol. Governments and world leaders can only do so much; eventually, responsibility is up to every single person, household, and community. We are reaching a point where this is no longer an optional step to take: "We are in danger of inadvertently tripping the 'on' switch to disaster." We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to start working toward a cleaner, more energy-efficient planet. Nevertheless, the scenario isn't entirely one of doom. There is a small window of opportunity to act, giving us the potential to save the day before it's too late.