Advancing the science of climate change
By: America's climate choices: Panel on Advancing the Science of Climate Change, Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, Division on Earth and Life Studies, National Research Council of the National Academies
Contributors: National Research Council (U.S.). Panel on Advancing the Science of Climate Change; National Research Council (U.S.). Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate
Series: America's climate choices; America's climate choices
Publisher: National Academies Press
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Washington, D.C
Language: eng
Number of pages: 503
ISBN-13: 9780309145886; 9780309145893
Subjects: Atmospheric Greenhouse effect; Global temperature changes; Climatic changes; Greenhouse gases; Environmental aspects
Description: "Climate change is occurring, is caused largely by human activities, and poses significant risks for--and in many cases is already affecting--a broad range of human and natural systems. The compelling case for these conclusions is provided in Advancing the Science of Climate Change, part of a congressionally requested suite of studies known as America's Climate Choices. While noting that there is always more to learn and that the scientific process is never closed, the book shows that hypotheses about climate change are supported by multiple lines of evidence and have stood firm in the face of serious debate and careful evaluation of alternative explanations. As decision makers respond to these risks, the nation's scientific enterprise can contribute through research that improves understanding of the causes and consequences of climate change and also is useful to decision makers at the local, regional, national, and international levels. The book identifies decisions being made in 12 sectors, ranging from agriculture to transportation, to identify decisions being made in response to climate change. Advancing the Science of Climate Change calls for a single federal entity or program to coordinate a national, multidisciplinary research effort aimed at improving both understanding and responses to climate change. Seven cross-cutting research themes are identified to support this scientific enterprise. In addition, leaders of federal climate research should redouble efforts to deploy a comprehensive climate observing system, improve climate models and other analytical tools, invest in human capital, and improve linkages between research and decisions by forming partnerships with action-oriented programs"--Publisher's description.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 421-474).

Also available in Open Book format via the National Academies Press home page.
Table of contents: title: Introduction: science for understanding and responding to climate change; title: What we know about climate change and its interactions with people and ecosystems; title: A new era of climate change research; title: Integrative themes for climate change research; title: Recommendations for meeting the challenge of climate change research; title: Changes in the climate system; title: Sea level rise and the coastal environment; title: Freshwater resources; title: Ecosystems, ecosystem services, and biodiversity; title: Agriculture, fisheries, and food production; title: Public health; title: Cities and the built environment; title: Transportation; title: Energy supply and use; title: Solar radiation management; title: National and human security; title: Designing, implementing, and evaluating climate policies.