Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast

The author of The Burning Season , an account of rain-forest activist Chico Mendes's death, here offers authoritative information on a timely ecological subject. Revkin discusses critical issues and explores current scientific thinking about climate in the next century, explaining the computer simulations on which predictions are based. While opinion is divided and some uncertainties exist--primarily about the roles played by clouds and oceans--many scientists believe that global temperatures will increase by three to eight degrees Fahrenheit unless steps are taken now to reduce atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, the author notes. He warns that we can expect increased frequency of temperature extremes rather than a gradual rise. Lavishly illustrated with color photographs and diagrams, this volume accompanies an exhibition on climactic change that is to travel to science museums nationwide. ( May )