The Science of Our Changing Climate

This compelling textbook provides a broad overview of the science underpinning our understanding of our climate, and how it is changing. Presented in clear and accessible language, and requiring only minimal algebra, it enables students to understand how our planet “behaves” under “normal conditions” and how human activity has moved us away from that normal. It walks the student comprehensively through the basic science, including how greenhouse gases absorb radiation and, crucially, a chapter on aerosols, major players in climate change. Diverse case studies and examples illuminate the impact and connections to real world events while review questions and exercises consolidate knowledge. Including the latest results from the IPCC 6th Assessment Report, it concludes by exploring climate modelling, equipping students with an understanding of how to simulate both past climate changes and projections of future climate change. Online resources include lecture slides, solutions and Excel code.

Table of Contents:
1. Planet in peril; Part I. Chemistry: 2. Atmospheric composition and chemistry; 3. Sources and sinks of greenhouse gases; 4. Atmospheric aerosols; Part II. Physics: 5. The dry atmosphere; 6. The moist atmosphere; 7. Atmospheric circulation; weather and climate; Part III. Radiant Energy: 8. Radiant energy, the primary climate driver; 9. Solar radiation and its atmospheric interactions; 10. The ozone layer and (its) health; 11. Longwave radiation transfer; 12. Remote sensing of a dynamic environment; Part IV. The Climate System: 13. The ocean's role in climate; 14. Interactions and feedbacks in the climate system; 15. Modelling weather and climate; 16. Climates past; Part V. Our Changing Climate: 17. Driving climate change; 18. How and why is our climate changing? 19. Recent weather extremes; 20. Climate(s) of the twenty-first century.

About the Author :
Michael Box recently retired as Associate Professor in Physics at the University of New South Wales, Australia. He has taught Atmospheric Science, and a number of advanced Physics courses. He has 100 publications, mostly in atmospheric science, with a particular focus on radiative transfer, remote sensing, and the radiative effects of aerosols. He is co-author of Physics of Radiation and Climate (CRC Press, 2016). He is a Fellow of the Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society, and a member of AGU. His former graduate students can be found in scientific establishments in Europe and Australia. He currently teaches Adult Education courses in Sydney. Gail Box recently retired as Senior Lecturer in Physics at the University of New South Wales, Australia, where she taught a number of courses, including Atmospheric Science. She previously worked for BHP (Billiton). Her research focused on the environmental effects of atmospheric aerosols. In 2005 she founded the Australian (and New Zealand) Aerosol Workshop. She is co-author of Physics of Radiation and Climate (CRC Press, 2016). She is a member of AMOS, and the Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand. Her former graduate students can be found in scientific establishments in Europe, Australia and the USA.

Review :
'This book is a crystal formed from a total of over 50 years of teaching climate science. Never have so many elements of climate and their interrelationship coalesced in such an easy-to-follow way with clear logic and precise interpretation: a book full of needed information for understanding climate variation and change from start to finish.' Qi S. Hu, University of Nebraska, Lincoln 'This excellent, highly readable introduction to the science underlying contemporary climate change is an instructor's dream. Well written, with clear language, quality graphics and images, and chapters adaptable to any climate change syllabus, it also features outstanding case studies illustrating the consequences of increased greenhouse gas emissions. This engaging book even appeals to the interested layperson.' Petra Zimmermann, Ball State University 'In The Science of Our Changing Climate, the authors, Michael and Gail Box, have condensed a lifetime of knowledge into a single piece of work. This engaging book goes beyond other textbooks on climate change, making it essential reading for undergraduate students studying topics such as environmental science and geography, and would be a welcome addition to the bookcase of anyone interested in global warming.' Matt Smith, University of Worcester 'This book covers pretty much everything I cover on climate science in my class. I like the mix of qualitative and quantitative content in the book.' Joseph Daraio, Memorial University of Newfoundland 'A very nice exposition of the science.' Cyrus Taylor, Case Western Reserve University