Climate (Our Fragile Planet)

Though climate change is normal in Earth's history, global warming has raised average temperatures to their highest in two millennia, resulting in melting ice caps, shorter winters, changes in the seasonal behaviors of animals, and more extreme weather. And though greenhouse gases are essential for keeping the planet's temperatures comfortable, fossil fuel burning and other human activities are increasing greenhouse gas levels and causing temperatures to rise. While a decade ago many scientists were skeptical that human activities could impact the climate system, their models now show that only human activities can account for the magnitude of changes being seen. ""Climate"" is a timely new book that discusses the issue of global warming and what we can do to prevent its rise. Highly visual and written in a clear, accessible manner, this book adresses how people must use energy more efficiently, develop alternative energy sources, and lower emissions technologies.

Dana Desonie, Ph.D., a full-time science writer, was previously a research scientist in geochemistry at Columbia University's Lamon-Doherty Earth Observatory. She is the author of "Cosmic Collisions". She makes her home in New York City.