Our Threatened Climate

In this book the author has succeeded in presenting the many facets of the globel problems and hazards for our climate and thei r i nterdi scip l inary aspects, as we II as maki ng these under standable for the non-specialist. In doing this, the author has not restricted himself to an analysis of the difficult problems but has indicated the necessity and the possibilities for ratio na l so lutions. The book, therefore, can be a va lueb le deci si on aid for all those who directly or indirectly are in positions of responsibi lity at various levels of administration or in industry end busi ness. We ll-timed precauti onary measures agai nst a g loba l deteri o ration of cLimate are not only necessary for reasons of environ mental protection. They are also an economical end political necessity. The measures include the reduction of the combustion of fossi l fue ls, a more rati one l energy uti l ization, as we II as the establishment of a global equilibrium between forest loss and reforestati on. The Federal German Government takes these potential anthro pogenic climate changes very seriously. In order to obtein better scientific information, the Federal Government has ini ti ated an i nterdi sci p l i nary nati one l Climate Programme. At the same time, the Federal Republic of Germany supports the relevant activities within the frame of international cooperation.

Executive Summary. - I. Introduction. - II. Climate and Climatic Change. - 1. History of the Earth s Climate. - 2. Climate System. - 3. Climate Models and Prediction. - 4. Climate Research Programme. - III. Sociopolitical Aspects of the CO2/Climate Problem. - 1. Population Growth. - 2. Settlement Patterns. - 3. Economic Development. - 4. Availability of Fossil Fuels. - 5. Future Energy Use. - 6. Degradation of Forest and Soil. - IV. Influence of Society on Climate. - 1. Climatic Effects of CO2. - 2. Climatic Effects of other Anthropogenic Trace Gases. - 3. Climatic Effects of Aerosols. - 4. Climatic Effects of Land Use Changes. - 5. Climatic Effects of Waste Heat. - 6. Assessment of Overall Effects - Critical Threshold Values Prospects. - V. Impacts of Climate Change on Society. - 1. Climate Impact Programmes. - 2. Ecosystems. - 3. Energy Use. - 4. Food Security. - 5. Water Resources. - 6. Fisheries. - 7. Population and Settlement. - 8. Health, Disease and Welfare. - 9. Recreation. - VI. Strategies for Averting a CO2/Climate Problem. - 1. The Scope of Alternatives and Concepts for Action. - 2. Technical Fixes. - 3. Biological Methods. - 4. Energy Saving Through Better Energy Use. - 5. Introduction of Renewable Energy Resources. - 6. Effects of Various Energy Strategies. - 7. Flanking Measures. - 8. Decision Aids. - VII. Opportunities for the Future. - 1. The Old Credence in Progress The New Credibility. - 2. Man: Shaping his Own Future? . - 3. Prospects: Extrapolating Old Trends. - 4. Prospects: Shifting Emphases. - 5. Ways out of the CO2/Climate Threat. - Further Reading. - Appendices. - Author Index.