The Breakdown of Climate: Human Choices or Global Disaster

El Niño, the collapse of the Gulf Stream, devastating hurricanes and floods -- in recent years, there have been many natural disasters linked to global warming and other climatic changes. Are these events part of a natural cycle? Or have we in fact reached the limits of Earth's ability to maintain these cycles?

It seems our very survival depends on our relationship with Earth's climate. The Breakdown of Climate depicts ways that human activities have influenced these weather patterns and have created imbalances throughout the natural world -- imbalances that pose a very real threat to our health, agriculture, and continued existence on Earth.

The author addresses such issues as deforestation and environmental pollution and explains how they cause widespread damage beyond their places of origin. He makes us aware of the risks associated with certain modern industrial and agricultural practices, and goes on to suggest alternatives that may help Earth to regain its natural equilibrium.

The Breakdown of Climate gives a clear overall picture of climate, from its origins, as we know it, up to the present day, comparing evolutionary cause and effect to human influences. We see how weather systems function and how oceanic currents and tropical forests are vital for maintaining these natural processes. And we come to a better understanding of the self-perpetuating nature of climatic systems and their vital importance for the well-being of our planet as a whole.

Amid a seemingly hopeless global scenario, The Breakdown of Climate offers hope to all of us who are genuinely concerned about our climate and the increased violence and frequency of natural disasters today.

Peter Bunyard is one of the founding editors of The Ecologist as well as a writer and lecturer on ecological issues.