Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preface to the second edition; Preface to the first edition; 1. Global climate change: a new type of environmental problem; 2. Science, politics and science in politics; 3. Human-induced climate change: present scientific knowledge and uncertainties; 4. Climate change policy: impacts, assessments and responses; 5. The state of climate policy and a path forward; Glossary; Bibliography; Index.

"The second edition of Dessler and Parson's acclaimed book provides an integrated treatment of the science, technology, economics, policy, and politics of climate change. Aimed at the educated non-specialist, and at courses in environmental policy or climate change, the book clearly lays out the scientific foundations of climate change, the issues in current policy debates, and the interactions between science and politics that make the climate change debate so contentious and confusing. This new edition is brought completely up to date to reflect the rapid movement of events related to climate change. In addition, all sections have been improved, in particular a more thorough primer on the basic science of climate change is included. The book also now integrates the discussion of contrarian claims with the discussion of current scientific knowledge; extends the discussion of cost and benefit estimates; and provides an improved glossary"--Provided by publisher.