Climate Change Science
An Essential Reader
Published on 20. November 2025
Book
Hardback
204 pages
978-1-009-69118-5 (ISBN)
Description
Written by an established climate change scientist, this book introduces readers to cutting-edge climate change science. Unlike many books on the topic that devote themselves to recent events, this volume provides a historical context and describes early research results as well as key modern scientific findings. It explains how the climate change issue has developed over many decades, how the science has progressed, how diplomacy has (so far) proven unable to find a means of limiting global emissions of heat-trapping substances, and how the forecast for future climate change has become more worrisome. A scientific or mathematical background is not necessary to read this book, which includes no equations, jargon, complex charts or graphs, or quantitative science at all. Anyone who can read a newspaper will understand this book. It is ideal for introductory courses on climate change, especially for non-science major students.
Reviews / Votes
'This succinct collection distils the insights of one of the world's foremost climate scientists. Clear, engaging, and deeply informative, Climate Change Science is an illuminating guide for readers seeking clarity-and a much-needed response to the ongoing assault on climate science.' Kerry A. Emanuel, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 'At a time when misinformation and disinformation are polluting the discourse related to climate change, Somerville's book is a beacon of sound science written in an accessible manner. The 'So-What's?' are clear.' Marshall Shepherd, University of Georgia 'Richard Somerville's Climate Change Science: An Essential Reader provides a masterclass in climate change communication, delivered by someone who has spent decades working in the field. The book is excellently written, thought-provoking and informative. A highly enjoyable read that does not require you to have a background in mathematics or science before you start.' Matt Smith, University of Worcester 'Designed for readers with little science or math background, Somerville gracefully illuminates the elements of climate science. Students will enjoy reading this book, and they will talk about it with their friends.' Valerie Thomas, Georgia Institute of Technology 'In Climate Change Science, Dr. Richard Somerville, a prominent climate scientist, recounts the history of climate change research while clearly explaining the fundamental science behind this urgent issue facing humanity. Throughout the book, Dr. Somerville weaves together history and anecdotes to make the complex science accessible ... Reading this book is like listening to a lecture given by Dr. Somerville himself-his voice comes through in every chapter, adding a personal perspective ... His explanations are clear, inviting readers from all backgrounds to engage with this critical topic...By writing this book in a way that is accessible to anyone ... he is inviting everyone to the table to join the discussion and work toward solutions for the impending climate crisis. Climate Change Science is ideal for seminar-style classes in the social sciences, or as an introductory text in the sciences.' Tamara Barriquand, Humboldt UniversityMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
454 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-009-69118-5 (9781009691185)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
11/2025
Cambridge University Press
€32.50
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Richard C. J. Somerville is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego. He is a fellow of three scientific societies: the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the American Geophysical Union (AGU), and the American Meteorological Society (AMS). He has received awards from the AMS for his research and his popular book The Forgiving Air: Understanding Environmental Change. From the AGU, he has received two major honors: the Climate Communication Prize (2015) and the Ambassador Award (2017). Richard is co-author (with Sam Shen) of Climate Mathematics: Theory and Applications (2019, Cambridge University Press) and co-editor of The Development of Atmospheric General Circulation Models: Complexity, Synthesis and Computation (2018, Cambridge University Press).
Content
Preface; Part I. Eight Articles from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Chapter 1. Reflections on the UN Climate Change Negotiations in Bali; Chapter 2. The Passing of a Climate Prodigy; Chapter 3. Climate Change, Irreversibility, and Urgency; Chapter 4. Climate Change and the 2016 Election; Chapter 5. How to Deal with Climate Change Denying Uncle Pete; Chapter 6. Wildfires and Climate Change; Chapter 7. Facts and Opinions About Climate Change; Chapter 8. Weaning a House and the World from Fossil Fuels: Lessons Learned; Part II. Understanding and Communicating Climate Change Science: Chapter 9. Preparation; Chapter 10. Stories; Chapter 11. Language; Chapter 12. Solutions; Part III. Scientific Investigations of the Climate System: Chapter 13. The Greenhouse Effect; Chapter 14. The Keeling Curve; Chapter 15. The Temperature Record; Chapter 16. Climate in the Future; Chapter 17. Numerical Weather Prediction; Chapter 18. Modeling the Climate System; Chapter 19. Climate Feedbacks; Chapter 20. Predictability; Chapter 21. How Climate Models Work; Chapter 22. The Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC; Part IV. The Future: Chapter 23. If I Were President: A Climate Change Speech.