Climate change: the science, impacts and solutions.

Collingwood: CSIRO Publishing, (2009 second edition).
Quarto, paperback, 350 pp. illustrations.

It is widely accepted in the scientific community that climate change is a reality, and is changing rapidly. In this second edition of Climate change, leading climate researcher Barrie Pittock revisits the effects that global warming is having on our planet, in light of ever-changing scientific research.

Pittock presents all sides of the arguments about the science and possible remedies. He argues that ‘uncertainty is inevitable, but risk is certain'. Uncertainty is not a reason for doing nothing (or merely advocating more research) but rather to evaluate and manage risk.

This new edition takes into account the latest analyses on climate change, such as new alarming observations regarding Arctic sea ice, the recently published IPCC Synthesis Report, and the policies of the new Australian Government and how they affect the implementation of climate change initiatives. Also new to this edition are extensive endnotes with links to ongoing and updated information. Extra figures are also included.

The sections on global climate change policy have been expanded to include more discussion on China and India as major emitters and players in the international negotiations. In addition, changes in US and Australian policy are explored, including their respective state government actions. Other topics include developments in transport, especially the potential of compressed air cars and improved public transport; developments with renewable energy, including cheaper solar photovoltaics; and biomass energy, and biochar (or agrichar), and their links to food supply, and to achieving negative emissions.

While the message is clear that climate change is here (and in some areas, might be too far gone), there is still hope for the future, and the ideas presented in this book will inspire people to take action. New material focuses on massive investments in large-scale renewables, such as the kind being taken up in California, as well as lots of small-scale action in individual homes and businesses driven by both regulation and market mechanisms.