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.
