Review by Choice Review
Dow (Univ. of South Carolina) and Downing (Stockholm Environment Institute) have updated their noted source (1st ed., CH, Mar'07, 44-3623), focusing on troubling current and future climate change scenarios. This third edition maps a wide variety of climate-focused topics, including carbon emissions; economic and social development; food, water, health, and ocean impacts; natural disasters; renewable energy; and the human impact on climate change. The authors discuss ideas to lessen global warming's impact, including policy changes and actions by individuals. The layout mirrors older editions, with the same categories and similar maps. Most figures and statistics have been updated to reflect the most recent data. This volume is richly illustrated with many charts, graphs, and color photos. It also features a glossary and an extensive bibliography. Especially useful is the detailed table listing each country's carbon dioxide, methane, and carbon emissions along with the percentage of a country's population living near a vulnerable coastline. The information presented is easy to comprehend, with the numerous graphics enhancing understanding of the topics. This is a timely addition to a growing field of study. Considering its affordable cost and meaningful updates, this work deserves a place in undergraduate reference collections and public libraries. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and general readers. C. A. Sproles University of Louisville
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
