Climate Change Modeling, Mitigation, and Adaptation

Climate Change Modeling, Mitigation, and Adaptation presents the most current thinking on the environmental mechanisms that contribute to global climate change and and explores scientifically grounded steps to reduce the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The significant contribution by greenhouse gas emissions to global climate change has been well-documented, but efforts to address climate change often focus on technologies that reduce the creation of additional emissions. This narrow focus leaves other important climate change issues unexplored, namely: Can we predict future climate change? Can we do anything to mitigate its effects? Are there strategies to adapt to the new climate realities? Written by leading experts from around the world, these 25 chapters provide comprehensive information about the emission of greenhouse gases and climate change. Chapters examine the issues from three standpoints: basic science and vulnerability assessment; modeling and prediction; and reducing or adapting to the negative impacts on humankind and the ecosystem. Topics include: role of greenhouse gas emissions on our ecosystems; impact of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change; temperature and precipitation trends influenced by climate change; modeling tools to diagnose climate change and identify uncertainty in climate change modeling; strategies to mitigate climate change effects; and strategies to adapt to the new climate realities. Practicing engineers, environmental managers, and government officials will consult this book as an essential guide to help mitigate the effects of climate change.