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Climate Change, Climate Science and Economics

Prospects for an Alternative Energy Future

  • Book
  • © 2013

Overview

  • Offers a critical examination of the science behind climate change policy

  • Presents a comprehensive understanding of the world's energy-environmental dilemma

  • Identifies policies that are effective in adapting to and managing climate change

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Table of contents (12 chapters)

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About this book

This volume enables readers to understand the complexity associated with climate change policy and the science behind it. For example, the author describes the criticism and defense of the widely known “hockey stick” temperature graph derived from combining instrumental data and proxy temperature indications using tree ring, ice core and other paleoclimatic data.

Readers will also learn that global warming cannot easily be avoided by reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions in rich countries. Not only is emissions reduction extremely difficult in rich countries, but demands such as the UN mandate to improve the lives of the poorest global citizens cannot be satisfied without significantly increasing global energy use, and CO2 emissions. Therefore, the author asserts that climate engineering and adaptation are preferable to mitigation, particularly since the science is less than adequate for making firm statements about the Earth’s future climate.

Readers will also learn that global warming cannot easily be avoided by reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions in rich countries. Not only is emissions reduction extremely difficult in rich countries, but demands such as the UN mandate to improve the lives of the poorest global citizens cannot be satisfied without significantly increasing global energy use, and CO2 emissions. Therefore, the author asserts that climate engineering and adaptation are preferable to mitigation, particularly since the science is less than adequate for making firm statements about the Earth’s future climate.

Reviews

From the reviews:

“The book begins with mathematical modeling of both environmental and economic factors associated with global climate change. The well-produced volume is packed with documentation, tables, figures, equations, and commentary. … The author offers clear, incisive assessments of models and policy responses to climate change. … provides a wealth of factual data, economic relationships, and provocative ideas. It is the best available devil’s advocate resource for advanced students, experts, and practitioners in the area of climate science and policy. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and above.” (F. T. Manheim, Choice, Vol. 50 (7), March, 2013)

Authors and Affiliations

  • , Department of Economics, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada

    G. Cornelis van Kooten

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