Under The Microscope

GLOBAL WARMING: THE COMPLETE BRIEFING by John Houghton; Cambridge University Press, 1997; 251 pp; $A34.95 (paperback)
DOES THE WEATHER REALLY MATTER? THE SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE by William James Burroughs; Cambridge University Press, 1997; 230 pp; $A39.95 (hardback)

Reviewed by Tony Trewinnard

Both of these books are well written, interesting and typical of the high standard of writing the public and scientific community can now expect from climate scientists.

Houghton's book is now in its second edition, and full credit must be given for taking the often burdensome IPCC reports, full of their technical detail, and making their material accessible. It is a very comprehensive book about greenhouse warming and global climate, covering all the traditional and important areas, including the greenhouse effect, past climates, climate modelling, climate change impacts and their implications, and energy use.

Houghton writes clearly and concisely, and with good use of illustrations. At times the subject matter is necessarily a little complex, but he usually produces some good examples to illustrate his points. Global Warming: The Complete Briefing will not be the final word on this subject, as the very nature of the problem dictates that it will continue to be analysed, researched and discussed for many years to come. However, as a readable reference book on the current state of scientific thinking, it has much to recommend it.

Both books are well worth reading by anyone with an interest in climate science. The Complete Briefing is a valuable reference for any scientist's bookshelf, while Does the Weather Really Matter? will provide a compelling discussion point for scientist and lay-person alike.

Tony Trewinnard is with Blue Skies Weather.

Tony Trewinnard is with Blue Skies Weather