cover image What Goes Up: The Global Assault on Our Atmosphere

What Goes Up: The Global Assault on Our Atmosphere

John J. Nance. William Morrow & Company, $20 (324pp) ISBN 978-0-688-08952-8

Stories about holes in the ozone layer, increasing amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the greenhouse effect elicit both belief and doubt among the public. Nance ( On Shaky Ground ) goes beyond the headlines to provide a comprehensive explanation of these issues. We meet scientists Sherwood Rowland, J. Molina, Susan Solomon, Robert Watson, Steven Schneider, James Hansen, Adrian Tuck and James Anderson and observe their work in atmospheric chemistry, gloal warming and ozone depletion. Discussing the roadblocks to the reporting and understanding of scientific and technological matters, the author stresses that we need more than information to take action--he believes that political will is vital, and calls for better communication on all sides. Nance's lucid narrative and his portraits of courageous scientists should lead the way to a fuller awareness of these global threats. (July)