A great introduction to the concepts of climate change, but if you are looking for something more in depth or cutting edge, this book isn't for you. Now, if you happen to be looking for a book to introduce someone to the concept of global climate change who might be a bit reticent, this would be a great book. The convenience of the language used lends itself to the casual reader, and won't put off someone who might be concerned about "a bunch of science-talk mumbo-jumbo."

Zebrowski also arranges the book in a very reader-friendly way. He builds on previous chapters extremely well, but each section could easily stand alone for a quick refresher. If you want a boring, science-journal-style piece of writing, this book won't be for you. Great read and very well written. ( )

Dr. Ernest Zebrowski, a scientist and educator, discusses everything from melting glaciers and disappearing snow covers to increased levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere; patterns of climate change through the centuries, and the potentially disastrous effects (including rising seas, more violent storms, and alterations in agricultural productivity) of environmental damage.

If you need to understand what’s in the news, in print and on line about this subject, this is the one book to read. ( )

In this book, Zebrowski attempts to present the evidence behind the scientific concerns about global climate change. Generally speaking, it's a useful book outlining some of the basics of climate science, and debunking some of the silly arguments that are made about global climate change being 'fiction'. He covers a lot of territory in this short book, and I think this book is a useful and up to date resource regarding the state of climate science.

Since the book is intended to be a scientific guide for laypeople, it's understandable that Zebrowski stears clear of some of the more heated political discussion surrounding the issue, though he does offer some general recommendations for how we should address dealing with the problems associated with global climate change and hopefully avert catastrophe. Of course, by not addressing some of the more heated political rhetoric directly, the book does leave itself open for criticisms from climate change deniers who are 'certain' it is a 'debunked myth'...but, those factions are unlikely to be convinced even if their hyperbole were to be addressed directly. So, kudos to the author for remaining above the fray and presenting as much of the scientific arguments as possible.

The one shortcoming that I'd say this book suffers from is that he doesn't provide enough citations to direct readers to the actual scientific publications that present the evidence he has condensed here. Though it's understandable in a concise book with the layperson in mind scientific might exclude a lot of the technical professional literature...it seems like the provision of citations could only bolster his presentation by enabling those interested to dig a little deeper, while also shutting out the possibility of deniers claiming that the scientific research is 'inadequate' or 'minimal'.

Overall, it's a worthwhile read for anyone interested in climate science, as well as ongoing political discourse surrounding it. Because of the polarizing nature of this topic, it may be too much to hope it convinces anyone to rethink their views on the issues involved, but due to it's concise nature, it may be a good book for passing along to someone who is trying to inform themselves about this issue. ( )

Zebrowski has written a highly accessible and compact guide in 'Global Climate Change.' The book's language is uncomplicated and assumes the reader is intellectually curious enough to desire a multi-layered understanding of the issues and science, without assuming they are scientists or interested in in-depth analyses. Topics are dealt with in paragraphs rather than copious chapters, yet the explanations of phenomena are clear, as are the explanations of terms and methods used by the scientific community. This book claims to be apolitical, but of course nothing can be, but the author does achieve an enjoyable "matter-of-fact" discourse. Overall, this book might not be the best introduction to climate change, but it certainly is a breath of fresh air in the conversation.

I am a geologist an familiar with the variety of data used in climate studies. Prior to receiving Global Climate Change in the mail (LT Early Reviewer), I wasn't sure how technically dense it would be. Zebrowski's book is a well-written summary of the state of climate science knowledge to date and how that knowledge came about for the general populace. It is not overly technical, but in fact it reads very well and is fast-paced. I believe I will send it to my mother who does not have a high science background but is interested in such topics. I enjoyed how Zebrowski winds together threads and anecdotes from all the sciences to develop the story of climate change; this clearly informs the reader how long the climate has been studied and how broad the contribution of studies has been. I would call Zebrowski's writing style Malcolm Gladwell-esque. He has succeeded in educating the reader in an interesting and informative way. ( )