Most of us have heard the dire predictions about global warming. Some experts insist that warming has already started, and they warn of such impending disasters as the sea level rising to flood coastal cities. Others, however, have issued loud counterclaims, assuring us that global warming is a myth based on misleading data. How can we tell who is right, and how we should respond? And why is there no scientific consensus on a matter of such vital importance? George Philander addresses these questions in this book, as he guides the nonscientific reader through new ideas about the remarkable and intricate factors that determine the world's climate.

In simple, nontechnical language, Philander describes how the interplay between familiar yet endlessly fascinating phenomena--winds and clouds, light and air, land and sea--maintains climates that permit a glorious diversity of fauna and flora to flourish on Earth. That interplay also creates such potent weather disrupters as El Ni�o and La Ni�a, translates modest fluctuations in sunlight into global climate changes as dramatic as the Ice Age, and determines the Earth's response to the gases we are discharging into the atmosphere, such as those that led to the ozone hole over Antarctica and those that are likely to cause global warming. In his discussion of these matters, Philander emphasizes that our planet is so complex that the scientific results will always have uncertainties. To continue to defer action on environmental problems, on the grounds that more accurate scientific results will soon be available, could lead to a crisis. To make wise decisions, it will help if the public is familiar with the geosciences, which explore the processes that make ours a habitable planet.

The book is an excellent introduction to the basics of the Earth's climate and weather, and will be an important contribution to the debate about climate change and the relationship between scientific knowledge and public affairs.

About the Author

S. George Philander is Professor of Geosciences at Princeton University. He is the author of El Ni�o, La Ni�a, and the Southern Oscillation.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Located in the Greater Birmingham area of central Alabama, our store offers for sale via mail order and through the internet, almost entirely to customers found through Internet contacts, thousands of books and other media of both popular and academic research interest. Focusing primarily on non-fiction books, we have a high concentration of items in such subjects as political science, philosophy, economics, religion and theology, science, literature and literary criticism, Alabama and Southern history,the American Civil War, Military History and War, Americana and many more such areas. We have many items pertaining to ideology, whether it be conservatism, libertarianism, free market economics, socialism, or communism, including many congressional reports on communist activities. We also have quite a few reference books, especially bibliographies.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Sessions Book Sales
AL, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

AbeBooks processes payments throiugh the use of bank and credit cards; this is for both orders received from customers residing in the US as well as customers from outside the US. We do not have separate credit card services. If you would like to use some other means for paying for your purchases we accept Paypal, checks, cash and money orders (applies to US residents). For international orders we accept Paypal, American currency (cash) and International Postal Money Orders, all in American doll...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Orders usually ship within 2 business days. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required. For orders to residents in the US, we have a standard media mail fee of $3.99, with $1 per book for each additional item. Standard priority shipping is $7.35, with an additional $2 for each additional item added to the order. We will include insurance on any purchase amounting to $50 or more. In terms of packaging, we generally use several layers of packaging to protect the items from damage. In some cases we will add cardboard or boxes for additional protection. Most book orders weigh roughly one to three pounds, except in the cases where multiple books are ordered. With regard to orders destined for addresses outside the US, we offer two choices--international first class and international priority. The weight limit on international first class is four pounds. If your order weighs more than four pounds or otherwise does not fit with US Postal Service regulations then your only other option is international priority. Concerning priority shipping, the rate charged varies from one country to the next. Items that are heavier or otherwise larger than normal will of course cost more to ship. We will advise you of any potential increases in shipping rates before proceeding any further with fulfillment with your order.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 4.35	US$ 9.90

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.