The Forgiving Air

This handbook on global change, written by a scientist for non-scientists, seeks to humanize the great environmental issues of our time - the ozone hole, the greenhouse effect, acid rain, and air pollution - and to explain everything in accessible, reader-friendly terms. The planet's climate has been changing naturally since the earth came into existence, but its nearly six billion human inhabitants are now such a potent force that their influence on the global environment rivals that of Mother Nature. Somerville highlights the inter-relatedness of human activity and global change, stressing the importance of an educated public in a world where the role of science is increasingly critical. He covers many topics, from the varieties of gases in the atmosphere to the nature of computer modelling. In addition, "The Forgiving Air" provides historical anecdotes and information about the scientists whose research has advanced our understanding.