Climate Change in Practice

Robert L. Wilby is Professor of Hydroclimatic Modelling in the Department of Geography at Loughborough University. His research expertise covers climate risk assessment and adaptation planning for freshwater systems, regional climate downscaling and hydrological modelling, climate services, capacity development, and environmental monitoring and management. In addition to his academic positions, Professor Wilby has spent time at the US National Center for Atmospheric Research, as well as in commerce for Severn Trent Water, in consultancy for the Department for International Development, the World Bank and the World Wildlife Fund, and in government at the Environment Agency of England and Wales.

• Preface; 1. What is the average global temperature and how has it changed?; 2. Why does climate change?; 3. What does it take to build a model of the climate system?; 4. How trustworthy are climate models?; 5. What is the purpose of regional climate downscaling?; 6. What is the 'uncertainty cascade' and why does it matter?; 7. What shapes climate vulnerability?; 8. When are climate forecasts good enough to take action?; 9. Whom or what are most at risk from climate change?; 10. How can urbanites avoid becoming climate victims or villains?; 11. What is dangerous climate change?; 12. Why and how are carbon footprints measured?; 13. How to decarbonise economies?; 14. How is it possible to adapt to an uncertain climate?; 15. Could or should humankind geoengineer Earth?; 16. How is climate change communicated?; 17. Who are climate experts?; 18. How connected is climate change to other global challenges?; References; Index.

'The most engaging book I have read about climate change in many years. I found it difficult to put down! It takes a fresh and novel perspective on climate change science, through critical analysis of the utility and applicability of the science for use in society. Comprehensively researched and up to date, many of the issues discussed relate to recent debates and developments in the field of climate change science and policy. At each stage, the scientific and societal challenges of the production and use of the scientific material is considered. The exercises are novel, thought-provoking, and will engage today's students - I look forward to applying them in my own classroom. The book is extremely well written, in accessible language, and is brimming over with relevant and attractive photographs, maps and diagrams. It will appeal to students, instructors, decision-makers, and researchers of climate change alike.' Rachel Warren, University of East Anglia