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Very Short Introductions #118
Climate Change: A Very Short Introduction
Climate change is still, arguably, the most critical and controversial issue facing the world in the twenty-first century. Previously published as Global Warming: A Very Short Introduction , the new edition has been renamed Climate Change: A Very Short introduction, to reflect the important
change in the terminology of the last decade.
In the third edition, Mark Maslin includes crucial updates from the last few years, including the results of the 2013 IPCC Fifth Assessment Report, the effects of ocean acidification, and the impact of changes to global population and health. Exploring key topics in the debate, Maslin makes sense of
the complexities of climate change, from political and social issues to environmental and scientific ones. Looking at its predicated impacts, he explores the controversies, and explains various proposed solutions.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and
enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
change in the terminology of the last decade.
In the third edition, Mark Maslin includes crucial updates from the last few years, including the results of the 2013 IPCC Fifth Assessment Report, the effects of ocean acidification, and the impact of changes to global population and health. Exploring key topics in the debate, Maslin makes sense of
the complexities of climate change, from political and social issues to environmental and scientific ones. Looking at its predicated impacts, he explores the controversies, and explains various proposed solutions.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and
enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
216 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2004
146 people are currently reading
1529 people want to read
About the author
Mark Maslin
20 books34 followersProfessor Mark Maslin FRGS, FRSA is the Director of the UCL Environment Institute and Head of the Department of Geography. He is an Executive Director of Carbon Auditors Ltd/Inc. He is science advisor to the Global Cool Foundation and Carbon Sense Ltd. He is a trustee of the charity TippingPoint and a member of Cheltenham Science Festival Advisory Committee. Maslin is a leading scientist with particular expertise in past global and regional climatic change and has publish over 100 papers in journals such as Science, Nature, and Geology. He has been awarded grants of over £28 million, twenty-six of which have been awarded by NERC. His areas of scientific expertise include causes of past and future global climate change particularly ocean circulation and gas hydrates. He also works on monitoring land carbon sinks using remote sensing and ecological models and international and national climate change policies.
Professor Maslin has presented over 45 public talks over the last three years including Oxford, Cambridge, Leeds, RGS, Tate Modern, Royal Society of Medicine, British Museum, Natural History Museum, CLG, and Goldman Sachs. This year he has also join the editorial board of The Geographical Journal. He has supervised 10 Research fellows, 10 PhD students and 19 MSc students. He has also have written 7 popular books, over 25 popular articles (e.g., for New Scientist, Independent and Guardian), appeared on radio, television and been consulted regularly by the BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky News. His latest popular book is the high successful Oxford University Press “Global Warming: A Very Short Introduction” the second edition was published late last year and has sold over 40,000 copies. He was the led author of the first UCL Environment Institute Policy Report, which was the basis of the Channel 4 ‘Dispatches’ program Greenwash (5/3/07). Maslin was also a co-author of the recent Lancet report ‘Managing the health effects of climate change’ and a DIFD Report on Population, Climate Change and the Millennium Development Goals.
Academic Qualifications
University of Cambridge, Darwin College 1989 - March 1993
PhD The study of the palaeoceanography of the N.E. Atlantic during Pleistocene (Supervisor: Sir N. J. Shackleton FRS).
University of Bristol 1986-1989
BSc (Hons) in Physical Geography First Class
Geology & Chemistry was also studied at honours level. Two dissertations were written
an experimental hydrological investigation of the formation of the karst landscape in the mountains of Mallorca.
a literature review investigating the mechanisms causing global glaciation and deglaciation.
Work Experience
May 2007
Head of Department of Geography
Oct 2006
Professor of Physical Geography
Oct 2002
Reader/Associate Professor in Palaeoclimatology at the ECRC, Department of Geography, University College London, U.K.
Jan 1995 onwards
Lecturer in Palaeoceanography, Palaeoclimatology and Physical Geography at the ECRC, Department of Geography, University College London, U.K.
Aug 1993 to Oct 1995
Research Scientist at the Geologisch Paleontologisches Institut, University of Kiel, Germany, working ODP Leg 155 (Amazon Fan) samples.
Professor Maslin has presented over 45 public talks over the last three years including Oxford, Cambridge, Leeds, RGS, Tate Modern, Royal Society of Medicine, British Museum, Natural History Museum, CLG, and Goldman Sachs. This year he has also join the editorial board of The Geographical Journal. He has supervised 10 Research fellows, 10 PhD students and 19 MSc students. He has also have written 7 popular books, over 25 popular articles (e.g., for New Scientist, Independent and Guardian), appeared on radio, television and been consulted regularly by the BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky News. His latest popular book is the high successful Oxford University Press “Global Warming: A Very Short Introduction” the second edition was published late last year and has sold over 40,000 copies. He was the led author of the first UCL Environment Institute Policy Report, which was the basis of the Channel 4 ‘Dispatches’ program Greenwash (5/3/07). Maslin was also a co-author of the recent Lancet report ‘Managing the health effects of climate change’ and a DIFD Report on Population, Climate Change and the Millennium Development Goals.
Academic Qualifications
University of Cambridge, Darwin College 1989 - March 1993
PhD The study of the palaeoceanography of the N.E. Atlantic during Pleistocene (Supervisor: Sir N. J. Shackleton FRS).
University of Bristol 1986-1989
BSc (Hons) in Physical Geography First Class
Geology & Chemistry was also studied at honours level. Two dissertations were written
an experimental hydrological investigation of the formation of the karst landscape in the mountains of Mallorca.
a literature review investigating the mechanisms causing global glaciation and deglaciation.
Work Experience
May 2007
Head of Department of Geography
Oct 2006
Professor of Physical Geography
Oct 2002
Reader/Associate Professor in Palaeoclimatology at the ECRC, Department of Geography, University College London, U.K.
Jan 1995 onwards
Lecturer in Palaeoceanography, Palaeoclimatology and Physical Geography at the ECRC, Department of Geography, University College London, U.K.
Aug 1993 to Oct 1995
Research Scientist at the Geologisch Paleontologisches Institut, University of Kiel, Germany, working ODP Leg 155 (Amazon Fan) samples.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
November 25, 2013
Global Warming, hearteningly, might be one of the few topics where we could confidently assert that an Introduction is really not required. Everyone seems to know (more than) enough and already has an opinion on the topic. An intro on GW should sound laughable, in fact. At best what one would need is a ‘Very Cogent Argument on Global Warming’ or a ‘Very Easy Solution for Global Warming’ or maybe even a ‘Very Intelligent Refutal of Global Warming’.
But, it turns out to be quite useful to know how the argument has played out over the last sixty or so years (well, more than hundred in fact) and the many twists and turns that the scientific community, the politicians, the economists, the interest groups and especially the common public has taken to reach where they are on their perceptions right now.
That is not to say that we have a consensus now, but the lack of consensus which seems most incomprehensible to most of the concerned, will sound much more realistic once the history of the debate is known. And that understanding might just be necessary to have a less strident approach towards spreading awareness and understanding. It might also help in adopting a more gentle and less 'you-are-a-jackass-if-you-don't-get-this' sort of manner. Like any other major conflict, sustained dialogue is the need of the hour and for that careful study of the opposition's views might be the best way forward. Maslin provides a very short and decent introduction to that vast topic/debate.
This is an interesting update that deals with the whole media debate issue: please follow the link if interested.
July 13, 2023
very dry. informative, but there's certainly more books to learn about a topic that almost everyone is very, very familiar with
December 20, 2017
The book has some interesting pieces of information. It's rather formal and dry as an academic chip on Saharan desert.
The author begins the book as if he is angry with the reader, maintaining a sarcastic voice for a few pages. But after that, he just sticks to the facts, like a disappointed parent.
Fluency: 3/5
Style: 1/5
Content:4/5
The author begins the book as if he is angry with the reader, maintaining a sarcastic voice for a few pages. But after that, he just sticks to the facts, like a disappointed parent.
Fluency: 3/5
Style: 1/5
Content:4/5
October 12, 2022
An excellent and comprehensive general introduction to the topic of climate change written with admirable clarity. It touches on the basics of climatology, paleoclimatology, policy, renewable energy, and more. Last updated in 2009, it shows some sign of its age, but it is still quite useful for the interested lay reader.
February 7, 2020
This one is in dire need of a new edition as the latest is from 2014, so a lot of the data and estimations Maslin uses might be or are outdated (for example, he says that in combating climate change, we have to invest 1-3 % of the world's GDP now to prevent higher costs in the future, but these numbers are from 2007?!?). It also obviously lacks the last few years of technological development and changes in politics (he worries about not having a post-2015 international agreement and I'm like, we're well past that!).
I also feel like important details or connections were sometimes sacrificed for the sake of brevity, which is to be expected in a very short introduction, but if you present ways to handle the various consequences of climate change and your solution to Problem A is made impossible or irrelevant by Problem B, than you're in trouble.
Also, statements like "Ensuring that women are educated to at least secondary school level all around the world will empower them to take control of their own fertility" would earn me a "gross generalization"-remark from any of my professors and make me wonder whether I can trust this author to give me a nuanced account of climate change.
I also feel like important details or connections were sometimes sacrificed for the sake of brevity, which is to be expected in a very short introduction, but if you present ways to handle the various consequences of climate change and your solution to Problem A is made impossible or irrelevant by Problem B, than you're in trouble.
Also, statements like "Ensuring that women are educated to at least secondary school level all around the world will empower them to take control of their own fertility" would earn me a "gross generalization"-remark from any of my professors and make me wonder whether I can trust this author to give me a nuanced account of climate change.
March 15, 2025
I read this because my friend is a climate change denier. I realised while arguing with him that I didn't know that much about the subject. This book breaks everything down succinctly, clearly, and comprehensively. It discusses the evidence and science for believing in it, goes through the potential future consequences, and the possible solutions. While seeing how greedy, neoliberal politicians and capitalist businessmen continue to be a barrier to solving the problem is depressing and angrifying, there is hope. We do actually have the research and technology available to massively cut our green house gas emissions and change the way we live, and there is a growing will to apply this. The only question is, will we before it's too late?
September 25, 2020
I recommend this book to everyone. Not just people interested, but everyone. It's a great, unbiased summary of the problems the earth is facing. It explains the problems, the various factors influencing the problems and explains what needs to change. It's a thin book, but with a lot of information. I found myself marking a lot of the pages to reread and for future reference.
December 11, 2018
An interesting introduction to climate change: what it is, why is it happening, what are its effects and what could we do about it. Worth a read to get an overview of the science, politics and economics of climate change.
Chapter 1 looks at the history of climate change: the greenhouse effect, how we know how the climate was in the past and what are the current sources of greenhouse gases.
Chapter 2 looks at the debate around the science of climate change: the history of research into climate change, the mistakes made at the early stage of the science that lead to the conclusion that we were entering a cooling climate stage, the role of the media in reporting climate change and the growing sense that we were causing the current changes in climate.
Chapter 3 looks at the evidence for climate change: from temperature, precipitation and sea level readings and the challenges in making different ways in making the readings compatible. Methods used to measure have changed over the decades so the data must be adjusted, otherwise the recording methods would bias the conclusions made from the data.
Chapter 4 looks at how the global climate is modelled and how the modelling has grown in sophistication and how scientists use the models to simulate the climate (past, present and future) to come to a confident conclusion that global warming is happening.
Chapter 5 looks at the impact climate change will have, from changes in weather patterns, sea level rise to the effect of more frequent and violent storms, floods and heatwaves. The effects on human health, food and biodiversity are outlined.
Chapter 6 looks at what possible surprises might be in store with global warming, depending on how the global climate reacts (slowly or suddenly) to global warming. Melting icesheets, changes in ocean circulation patterns and the release of cold methane are some of the consequences.
Chapter 7 looks at the politics around climate change, with a history of the various attempts at coming to agreements about cutting out (or down) on carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon trading and REDD (Reduced Emissions and Deforestation and Forest Degradation) are also covered.
Chapter 8 looks at possible solutions to global warming, from adaptation and mitigation to alternative sources of clean energy. Geoengineering is also mentioned.
Chapter 9 looks to the future of the earth and which 'red lines' have been crossed or could be (like loss of biodiversity), what actions can still be taken and what solutions are possible.
Chapter 1 looks at the history of climate change: the greenhouse effect, how we know how the climate was in the past and what are the current sources of greenhouse gases.
Chapter 2 looks at the debate around the science of climate change: the history of research into climate change, the mistakes made at the early stage of the science that lead to the conclusion that we were entering a cooling climate stage, the role of the media in reporting climate change and the growing sense that we were causing the current changes in climate.
Chapter 3 looks at the evidence for climate change: from temperature, precipitation and sea level readings and the challenges in making different ways in making the readings compatible. Methods used to measure have changed over the decades so the data must be adjusted, otherwise the recording methods would bias the conclusions made from the data.
Chapter 4 looks at how the global climate is modelled and how the modelling has grown in sophistication and how scientists use the models to simulate the climate (past, present and future) to come to a confident conclusion that global warming is happening.
Chapter 5 looks at the impact climate change will have, from changes in weather patterns, sea level rise to the effect of more frequent and violent storms, floods and heatwaves. The effects on human health, food and biodiversity are outlined.
Chapter 6 looks at what possible surprises might be in store with global warming, depending on how the global climate reacts (slowly or suddenly) to global warming. Melting icesheets, changes in ocean circulation patterns and the release of cold methane are some of the consequences.
Chapter 7 looks at the politics around climate change, with a history of the various attempts at coming to agreements about cutting out (or down) on carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon trading and REDD (Reduced Emissions and Deforestation and Forest Degradation) are also covered.
Chapter 8 looks at possible solutions to global warming, from adaptation and mitigation to alternative sources of clean energy. Geoengineering is also mentioned.
Chapter 9 looks to the future of the earth and which 'red lines' have been crossed or could be (like loss of biodiversity), what actions can still be taken and what solutions are possible.
May 31, 2024
Decent enough of a summary of the science, challenges and solution regarding climate change.
May 17, 2019
In terms of structure, Maslin's intro to Global Warming is about as simple and straightforward as you can get. He discusses the science behind global warming, how long we've been tracking and how scientists have been able to use glaciers and the ocean to measure the atmosphere's quality throughout history. He moves into a discussion of what the research implies for the future, discusses the need for action, the politics that complicate the matter, and potential solutions. It's a nice logical path through the issue, with only a couple complications in the execution.
One of the issues this books faces is the need to simplify the science of global warming so that non-experts have a clear idea of the mechanics being discussed. I found myself re-reading passages again and again in an effort to understand the modeling systems, as well as the several objections to the failures of the modeling systems. Still, Maslin does a great job of framing the issue thoroughly. His greatest achievement is his summary of the political an social issues surrounding global warming, as he is quick to point out that global warming is inextricably linked with expansion and global poverty issues.
Despite data density, Maslin's main rhetorical strength comes from his arrangement of chapters 3, 4, and 5. All of these chapters end with an examination of the skeptical view of the data he has presented it. Maslin sounded like Descartes himself when he reviewed the opposing view points, boldly telling the reader that the criticism did not undermine climate studies at all, but instead made those studies much stronger. He then proceeded to dismiss many of the counter-arguments as either being incorrect or misinformed, or being a legitimate concern that is currently being addressed through the scientific method.
His chapter on Politics (chapter 7) is perhaps his best writing. As he describes the failings of the Kyoto Protocol, and the competing issues of so many different countries, the reader is quickly able to understand why this issue still isn't solved. It's the social contract of Enlightenment thinkers playing out in a new field, but in this case, entire countries are being asked to sacrifice progress and freedoms in favor of global preservation rather than individuals, which inevitably leads to conflict. Maslin makes it clear that Earth will get no relief until country leaders can agree on terms and enforce legal bindings on themselves.
Despite the sometimes complicated scientific summary, Maslin provides a strong intro into the complex issue of global warming as well as the presentiment that it places mankind into.
One of the issues this books faces is the need to simplify the science of global warming so that non-experts have a clear idea of the mechanics being discussed. I found myself re-reading passages again and again in an effort to understand the modeling systems, as well as the several objections to the failures of the modeling systems. Still, Maslin does a great job of framing the issue thoroughly. His greatest achievement is his summary of the political an social issues surrounding global warming, as he is quick to point out that global warming is inextricably linked with expansion and global poverty issues.
Despite data density, Maslin's main rhetorical strength comes from his arrangement of chapters 3, 4, and 5. All of these chapters end with an examination of the skeptical view of the data he has presented it. Maslin sounded like Descartes himself when he reviewed the opposing view points, boldly telling the reader that the criticism did not undermine climate studies at all, but instead made those studies much stronger. He then proceeded to dismiss many of the counter-arguments as either being incorrect or misinformed, or being a legitimate concern that is currently being addressed through the scientific method.
His chapter on Politics (chapter 7) is perhaps his best writing. As he describes the failings of the Kyoto Protocol, and the competing issues of so many different countries, the reader is quickly able to understand why this issue still isn't solved. It's the social contract of Enlightenment thinkers playing out in a new field, but in this case, entire countries are being asked to sacrifice progress and freedoms in favor of global preservation rather than individuals, which inevitably leads to conflict. Maslin makes it clear that Earth will get no relief until country leaders can agree on terms and enforce legal bindings on themselves.
Despite the sometimes complicated scientific summary, Maslin provides a strong intro into the complex issue of global warming as well as the presentiment that it places mankind into.
January 11, 2008
As confused as can be about the state of knowledge regarding global climate change and the influence of human behavior on it, I decided to start reading. I had read one of these short-intro books in this Oxford series on Literary Theory once, and it was quite good. This book, by contrast, is terrible. Two major complaints: (1) It is unnecessarily unscientific and opinionated in tone. For example, in presenting a reason past researchers thought extra C02 output might be a non-issue because the sea would absorb it, the author adds, "in other words, the ocean would mop up our pollution." Is C02 pollution? Are plants "polluting" by releasing oxygen? It is unncessarily value-laden language, which gives me pause when trying to determine if he knows what he is talking about and can keep a control on his biases. (2) More damagingly, he presents a graph of the last several-hundred thousand years showing three curves: one for C02, one for temperature, and one for methane. He writes,"This strongly supports the idea that carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global temperature are closely linked." Now, in teaching statistics, one of the most common fallacies I have to combat is the idea that association implies causation. Now the author hedges by writing "supports," but in so doing he misses a major point. Even if there is a causal link somewhere, it could be that A causes B rather than B causes A; in fact, when there are THREE things (C02 and methane as well as temp) covarying similarly, it strongly suggests there is a fourth factor causing all three. Even if the causal loop, if you will, is capture in these three things, how does one know it isn't the increase in temperature that causes the concentrations to rise? Indeed, when looking in another, better source, I discover that "it is likely" that the temperature changes caused the C02 fluctuations historically. (Even that author says such an observation does not refute that C02 rises will cause temp increases; no, it doesn't refute it, but it also means that those historical graphs are completely irrelevant to the argument that the causality will run in the other direction, i.e., C02 increases cause temp increases.) Of course, I cannot say, because I don't understand enough yet, whether it seems likely that C02 increases are causing most of global warming these days, but it is really depressing when people use false arguments to make even a good case.
September 26, 2016
This is a book that does exactly what it says on the tin (which is rare these days, I find). It provides a very short introduction to climate change. It is eminently readable, covers all of the key bits, and provides just enough information to inform the reader but hopefully entice them to learn more. If you do know a fair bit about climate change, this is certainly not the book for you, but I read this book - and am using it - to teach non-scientists about climate change. For that purpose it is a perfect introduction, and it would also be a great introduction for someone who wants to have the basic information necessary to understand news stories about climate change. There are so many books in this Oxford series, and I will definitely explore more based on the quality (and very reasonable price!) of this book.
November 20, 2019
I thought I’d revisit some basics as I’ve read a lot for teaching, and then realise this is an excellent introduction for someone starting out, as well as for someone who has already read lots of articles.
It provides clear chapters which provide a scaffolding against which to appreciate and understand the voluminous information available today. If you were to explain the issues, the chapter headings provide a suitable list of topics.
It provides clear chapters which provide a scaffolding against which to appreciate and understand the voluminous information available today. If you were to explain the issues, the chapter headings provide a suitable list of topics.
December 29, 2018
Follows a similar pattern to various other overviews/introductions to climate change but quite concise and to the point, in a good way! In particular, I appreciated the clarity of discussion of the political barriers to mitigation attempts.
November 27, 2021
An excellent primer on climate change, aimed at the beginner who wants to understand the basic science behind how our climate is changing and what we can expect in the future.
October 15, 2024
A brilliant VSI on Climate Change by Mike Maslin and a great introduction to this critical issue of the 21st century.
The first chapter introduces climate change as a defining challenge of the 21st century. It describes the role of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in regulating Earth’s temperature through the greenhouse effect. It says that since the Industrial Revolution, CO2 levels have increased due to burning fossil fuels and The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) regularly assesses evidence for climate change. Important data - GHG Effect: Without the greenhouse effect, Earth would be 35°C colder, CO2 Levels: Since the Industrial Revolution, CO2 has increased by over 40%, mainly from fossil fuel burning.
The second chapter titled 'The Climate Change Debate' explores why it took so long for climate change to be recognized despite early research. It highlights Cold War science, the rise of environmental movements, and media coverage of climate change. It also discusses the "Climategate" scandal (2009) that created doubts over climate science, though multiple investigations exonerated the scientists involved.
Key Data: 1980s Temperature Trend: A ‘hockey stick’ trend showed a sharp upturn in global temperatures by the late 1980s.
The next chapter 'Evidence for Climate Change' details the overwhelming evidence supporting climate change. It describes the rise in global temperatures, sea levels, and extreme weather events.
Global surface temperatures have risen by 0.85°C since 1880 as Sea-Levels have risen by 20 cm rise in sea level over the past century. Also between 1880 and 2014, 13 of the warmest years on record occurred after 2000.
An important chapter on 'Modelling Future Climate' which examines how scientists use climate models to predict future climate changes, including global warming scenarios. The models rely on complex calculations and include components like the atmosphere, oceans, and ice sheets.
Key Data - Predicted temperature increase: Depending on future emissions, global temperature could rise by 2.8°C to 5.6°C by 2100.
Chapter 5 discusses climate change impacts on extreme events, human health, biodiversity, and agriculture. It says that 2°C above pre-industrial levels is considered the limit beyond which dangerous effects become inevitable. The frequency of heatwaves and droughts is expected to increase significantly, impacting food security.
Chapter 7 discusses the Politics of Climate Change and looks at international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. Analyzes the role of developed vs. developing countries in emissions responsibility. For eg, UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) was created in 1992 to negotiate international climate agreements. Kyoto Protocol Signed in 1997, was the first legally binding treaty on reducing GHG emissions.
The next chapter discusses solutions to this major problem affecting all of us. Emphasizes the need for renewable energy, carbon capture, and carbon trading as mitigation strategies. Key Data: Stabilization Wedges: Describes 15 stabilization wedges, each capable of cutting a billion tonnes of CO2. Adaptation: It may take decades to implement adaptive infrastructure changes, such as flood defenses.
The last chapter presents scenarios for the future depending on how much action is taken to curb emissions. It discusses planetary boundaries and how humanity is exceeding limits for climate change, biodiversity loss, and nitrogen cycling. Key Data: Planetary Boundaries: We’ve already exceeded safe levels for CO2 concentrations (450 ppm). Global Energy Demand: Predicted to increase significantly by 2030 along with food and water demand.
Overall, a wonderful and highly insightful book on climate change and its impacts and the future scenario. 5/5.
The first chapter introduces climate change as a defining challenge of the 21st century. It describes the role of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in regulating Earth’s temperature through the greenhouse effect. It says that since the Industrial Revolution, CO2 levels have increased due to burning fossil fuels and The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) regularly assesses evidence for climate change. Important data - GHG Effect: Without the greenhouse effect, Earth would be 35°C colder, CO2 Levels: Since the Industrial Revolution, CO2 has increased by over 40%, mainly from fossil fuel burning.
The second chapter titled 'The Climate Change Debate' explores why it took so long for climate change to be recognized despite early research. It highlights Cold War science, the rise of environmental movements, and media coverage of climate change. It also discusses the "Climategate" scandal (2009) that created doubts over climate science, though multiple investigations exonerated the scientists involved.
Key Data: 1980s Temperature Trend: A ‘hockey stick’ trend showed a sharp upturn in global temperatures by the late 1980s.
The next chapter 'Evidence for Climate Change' details the overwhelming evidence supporting climate change. It describes the rise in global temperatures, sea levels, and extreme weather events.
Global surface temperatures have risen by 0.85°C since 1880 as Sea-Levels have risen by 20 cm rise in sea level over the past century. Also between 1880 and 2014, 13 of the warmest years on record occurred after 2000.
An important chapter on 'Modelling Future Climate' which examines how scientists use climate models to predict future climate changes, including global warming scenarios. The models rely on complex calculations and include components like the atmosphere, oceans, and ice sheets.
Key Data - Predicted temperature increase: Depending on future emissions, global temperature could rise by 2.8°C to 5.6°C by 2100.
Chapter 5 discusses climate change impacts on extreme events, human health, biodiversity, and agriculture. It says that 2°C above pre-industrial levels is considered the limit beyond which dangerous effects become inevitable. The frequency of heatwaves and droughts is expected to increase significantly, impacting food security.
Chapter 7 discusses the Politics of Climate Change and looks at international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. Analyzes the role of developed vs. developing countries in emissions responsibility. For eg, UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) was created in 1992 to negotiate international climate agreements. Kyoto Protocol Signed in 1997, was the first legally binding treaty on reducing GHG emissions.
The next chapter discusses solutions to this major problem affecting all of us. Emphasizes the need for renewable energy, carbon capture, and carbon trading as mitigation strategies. Key Data: Stabilization Wedges: Describes 15 stabilization wedges, each capable of cutting a billion tonnes of CO2. Adaptation: It may take decades to implement adaptive infrastructure changes, such as flood defenses.
The last chapter presents scenarios for the future depending on how much action is taken to curb emissions. It discusses planetary boundaries and how humanity is exceeding limits for climate change, biodiversity loss, and nitrogen cycling. Key Data: Planetary Boundaries: We’ve already exceeded safe levels for CO2 concentrations (450 ppm). Global Energy Demand: Predicted to increase significantly by 2030 along with food and water demand.
Overall, a wonderful and highly insightful book on climate change and its impacts and the future scenario. 5/5.
June 28, 2021
I feel quite frustrated with the discussion around global warming. Half the articles I encounter focus on those greedy capitalists, indifferent to the destruction of the world so long as they can line their pockets. The other half focus instead on the latest attempt of dreamy eyed intellectuals’ latest scheme to push for research boondoggles and world government. Basic questions like:
- How much?
- How bad?
- How fast?
Etc., all go missing. And these are the international broadsheets. But, still, they don’t do numbers.
Mark Maslin’s book gives succinct answers to these types of questions and many others, such as:
- How does global warming arise? What is the connection between today’s events and long-term historical fluctuations?
- How confident are we about the evidence for global warming? What are the likely consequences of different scenarios?
- What are the imponderables, and what are their potential consequences?
- What are the arguments of climate change sceptics? Which of these are sound and which are based on misperceptions?
- What are the trade-offs between learning to adapt to global warming and taking on the task of steering global climate?
- What are political, scientific, and moral consequences of adopting one standpoint or another?
- What are the political coalitions and how do they see the problem?
- What possibilities are the for mitigating/adapting to global warming? What are their costs? How could this be financed and administered?
Basically, it is all you could want and expect from a book limited to 200 pages. But there are drawbacks:
- The edition I read was published in 2009. It is badly out of date, both with respect to the science and the politics. (I think a newer edition is available).
- Maslin is not averse to polemicising his own political views. Especially annoying are his repeated panegyrics for cap and trade, with no thought given to practicalities or its depressing effect on innovation. At one point Maslin stated that industrial countries were paying large fees to Russia as an alternative to reducing their carbon footprint. The reason? The Russian economy had was in recession, so had temporarily reduced its emissions. So in this instance, cap and trade amounted to a transfer to Russia with zero effect on global warming. Maslin enthuses how transfers will lead to greater economic equality. Fine. But shouldn’t development aid stand or fall on its own merits? Why mix the question of development aid with that of governance of global warming? Aren’t the two problems complex enough on their own?
- There are scientific inaccuracies: Maslin writes that early satellite data was misinterpreted because it failed to account for the decay of satellite orbits. I don’t know what was on his mind. But this is at least highly suspect.
- How much?
- How bad?
- How fast?
Etc., all go missing. And these are the international broadsheets. But, still, they don’t do numbers.
Mark Maslin’s book gives succinct answers to these types of questions and many others, such as:
- How does global warming arise? What is the connection between today’s events and long-term historical fluctuations?
- How confident are we about the evidence for global warming? What are the likely consequences of different scenarios?
- What are the imponderables, and what are their potential consequences?
- What are the arguments of climate change sceptics? Which of these are sound and which are based on misperceptions?
- What are the trade-offs between learning to adapt to global warming and taking on the task of steering global climate?
- What are political, scientific, and moral consequences of adopting one standpoint or another?
- What are the political coalitions and how do they see the problem?
- What possibilities are the for mitigating/adapting to global warming? What are their costs? How could this be financed and administered?
Basically, it is all you could want and expect from a book limited to 200 pages. But there are drawbacks:
- The edition I read was published in 2009. It is badly out of date, both with respect to the science and the politics. (I think a newer edition is available).
- Maslin is not averse to polemicising his own political views. Especially annoying are his repeated panegyrics for cap and trade, with no thought given to practicalities or its depressing effect on innovation. At one point Maslin stated that industrial countries were paying large fees to Russia as an alternative to reducing their carbon footprint. The reason? The Russian economy had was in recession, so had temporarily reduced its emissions. So in this instance, cap and trade amounted to a transfer to Russia with zero effect on global warming. Maslin enthuses how transfers will lead to greater economic equality. Fine. But shouldn’t development aid stand or fall on its own merits? Why mix the question of development aid with that of governance of global warming? Aren’t the two problems complex enough on their own?
- There are scientific inaccuracies: Maslin writes that early satellite data was misinterpreted because it failed to account for the decay of satellite orbits. I don’t know what was on his mind. But this is at least highly suspect.
April 17, 2024
“Climate change is one of the few areas of science that makes us examine the whole basis of a modern society”
THIS IS WHY I CARE. for real this book is so important. So many fascinating statistics and graphs. My favorite (ironic) part was the graph showing the levels of impact for each planet temperature degree raised and by the end the graph was just like just don’t go there.
“Individual and family action is important, as it shows governments be corporations that people are serious about acting to counter climate change, but it is not the solution.” wow this resonated. it’s important for us to take actions but it’s unfair to feel guilt when the real impact is at such a larger scale.
ok reading this just really reaffirmed being a little environmental science girl. This is what I care about
THIS IS WHY I CARE. for real this book is so important. So many fascinating statistics and graphs. My favorite (ironic) part was the graph showing the levels of impact for each planet temperature degree raised and by the end the graph was just like just don’t go there.
“Individual and family action is important, as it shows governments be corporations that people are serious about acting to counter climate change, but it is not the solution.” wow this resonated. it’s important for us to take actions but it’s unfair to feel guilt when the real impact is at such a larger scale.
ok reading this just really reaffirmed being a little environmental science girl. This is what I care about
March 10, 2018
Chapter 1: What is climate change?
Chapter 2: The climate change debate
Chapter 3: Evidence for climate change
Chapter 4: Modelling future climate
Chapter 5: Climate change impacts
Chapter 6: Climate surprises
Chapter 7: Politics of climate change
Chapter 8: Solutions
Chapter 9: Envisaging the future
Chapter 2: The climate change debate
Chapter 3: Evidence for climate change
Chapter 4: Modelling future climate
Chapter 5: Climate change impacts
Chapter 6: Climate surprises
Chapter 7: Politics of climate change
Chapter 8: Solutions
Chapter 9: Envisaging the future
February 11, 2024
Felt very informative, was well organized, but oh my god does it have some awful typos. Like every few pages it’ll be like a sentence was pasted into the book with no review. I don’t understand how a published book didn’t get edited and proofread before being printed.
March 14, 2017
يجب علينا ككائنتا حقا ان نحترم هذه الأرض الي نعيش عليها .
November 7, 2020
It is hard to not believe in climate change after reading this precise introduction.
October 9, 2023
Great primer on the issues involved, and does not pull punches when discussing politics.
January 2, 2025
Short, sweet, to the point
February 18, 2020
Assigned by my professor for a sustainability course. While I've read similar texts, this is by far the most condensed and easily understood format I've read. For how short each section is (really, the whole thing in itself) I feel far more knowledgeable than I did before. Each section and aspect was explained in relatable detail. Absolutely a must read if you have any interest in understanding the state of our climate and certainly if it's a field you work in (or hope to).
October 5, 2024
Helpful introduction! Refutes anti-climate change rhetoric, gives the main evidence as well as offering chapters on the history of the science (turns out we knew about the greenhouse phenomenon since the 50's!), the effects and solutions. I was especially interested in the SSP models and other socio-economic and political elements of the discussion.
September 12, 2025
Very fascinating and well presented...also incredibly depressing and terrifying. This is a solid scientific summary of climate change, although it does focus a little too heavily on economic concerns for my taste. You might also find it kind of dry, but personally I didn't have any problems with Maslin's writing on those terms. Just beware that it is scientific writing and scientific writing only, with no narrativization or humor or even any intentional personal voice/perspective. I'd highly recommend this regardless due to how presentable the material is and because of how vitally important it is
July 15, 2020
Good entry to series, does need another edition as this is a fast moving issue. Really interesting to think about the range of possible outcomes in our lifetimes.
January 15, 2023
Despite the typos throughout the text, this is a useful little introduction (or reminder of information last really understood during the Junior Cert).
Although it's called "Climate Change: A Very Short Introduction", the sections actually explaining climate change are probably the least useful (they're dealt with in more depth in the other book in the series "Climate: A Very Short Introduction). The book works best when it's drawing together the different political and social aspects of climate change. For example, in Chapter 2, which looks at the changes in perception of climate change over the last century, the difficulties of modelling climate change, and the different agreements (and lack of agreements) at a political level. The summary provided in Chapter 8 of the different types of solutions that need to be considered is also helpful in understanding where they sit in relation to each other and the relative ethical questions they raise.
It's refreshing to see issues of colonialism and Neo-liberalism discussed head on and to read an author who explicitly lists the way the US has treated countries which have stood up to it on its global position.
Maslin's solutions are (1) an international political solution (that allows for the rapid development of the developing world, has strict governance, and redistributes wealth) and (2) increasing the funding for developing cheap and clean energy products ("To tackle climate change we really need the level of funding that is usually only ever achieved when a country is at war."). However, Maslin also suggests that "we must not pin all our hopes on global politics and clean energy technology, so we must prepare for the worst and adapt".
Would recommend to a friend.
Although it's called "Climate Change: A Very Short Introduction", the sections actually explaining climate change are probably the least useful (they're dealt with in more depth in the other book in the series "Climate: A Very Short Introduction). The book works best when it's drawing together the different political and social aspects of climate change. For example, in Chapter 2, which looks at the changes in perception of climate change over the last century, the difficulties of modelling climate change, and the different agreements (and lack of agreements) at a political level. The summary provided in Chapter 8 of the different types of solutions that need to be considered is also helpful in understanding where they sit in relation to each other and the relative ethical questions they raise.
It's refreshing to see issues of colonialism and Neo-liberalism discussed head on and to read an author who explicitly lists the way the US has treated countries which have stood up to it on its global position.
Maslin's solutions are (1) an international political solution (that allows for the rapid development of the developing world, has strict governance, and redistributes wealth) and (2) increasing the funding for developing cheap and clean energy products ("To tackle climate change we really need the level of funding that is usually only ever achieved when a country is at war."). However, Maslin also suggests that "we must not pin all our hopes on global politics and clean energy technology, so we must prepare for the worst and adapt".
Would recommend to a friend.
April 30, 2016
This book gives a rock-solid scientific overview of climate change: its causes and effects, the scientific techniques used to characterize and model it, and policy alternatives and their political obstacles and ramifications. Maslin uses broad strokes to lay out the story, but isn't afraid to get into the necessary scientific detail when it's needed to make these ideas clear to the layman.
But I'm hesitant to recommend this book to any skeptics or interested laymen, for one simple reason: this book contains the worst academic copy editing (perhaps a complete lack thereof) that I have ever seen. Misspellings, run-ons and fragments, malapropisms, and dangling participles are rampant. Some sentences are so tortured that they seem to be saying the exact opposite of what Maslin's trying to express. Almost every page in the first half has grammatical errors -- the second half is a little better. This would be almost understandable in a first edition. It's unforgivable in a third, especially for a book that's so necessary, so needed, on such an important topic. Maslin has structured this book clearly and engagingly. It is a crying shame that Oxford University Press wastes his efforts by not providing the proper editing necessary to turn it into the valuable tool for understanding and persuasion it was meant to be. This could be fixed! The Fourth Edition could be made wonderful -- I encourage OUP to spend the effort to do so.
But I'm hesitant to recommend this book to any skeptics or interested laymen, for one simple reason: this book contains the worst academic copy editing (perhaps a complete lack thereof) that I have ever seen. Misspellings, run-ons and fragments, malapropisms, and dangling participles are rampant. Some sentences are so tortured that they seem to be saying the exact opposite of what Maslin's trying to express. Almost every page in the first half has grammatical errors -- the second half is a little better. This would be almost understandable in a first edition. It's unforgivable in a third, especially for a book that's so necessary, so needed, on such an important topic. Maslin has structured this book clearly and engagingly. It is a crying shame that Oxford University Press wastes his efforts by not providing the proper editing necessary to turn it into the valuable tool for understanding and persuasion it was meant to be. This could be fixed! The Fourth Edition could be made wonderful -- I encourage OUP to spend the effort to do so.
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