Revisiting the most important topic of our time The rapid warming of the Earth's climate has been a concern for decades. Though many of us understand that temperatures will-on average-rise, the science and the resulting social, economic, and political implications of such a change are far-reaching and complex. This new edition has been completely overhauled, synthesizing the latest information into an easy–to–read reference that provides a fair assessment of climate change, its costs, and even its short-term benefits. • Covers the newest science and issues surrounding global warming • Written by a seasoned science/nature journalist
Think outside the borders. Global economics affects every aspect of our lives. Free trade agreements, tariffs, terrorism, trade deficits, international debt, global warming, OPEC, outsourcing, and sweat shops are just some of the forces driving our world, food supply, jobs, and future. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Global Economics provides the key to understanding the various facts, figures, policies, and practices that offer insight into this dynamic subject.
Explains how to track weather patterns, read weather maps, and identify cloud formations while exploring the effects of pollution, hurricanes, and El Niäno.
An exposâe of some of the more controversial agendas behind global warming argues that poor-quality science and dishonest politics are contributing to the intentionally disporportionate and self-serving levels of fear.
Master the hottest—and most chilling—topic in the world today More and more frequent extreme weather events occur each year, and wildlife everywhere is increasingly endangered. Science fiction or science fact, most climate experts see this as our world on climate change—and, according to polls, a majority of people around the globe agree. Climate Change For Dummies allows you to investigate this hottest of hotly debated issues for yourself—examining its causes, the way it affects our lives, and what we can all do to make a difference. This straightforward guide—cowritten by the former leader of Canada's Green Party and the Canadian Chief of Staff to the Minister of Natural Resources—sifts the fact from the fiction: Is climate change caused by human activity or by natural elements beyond our control? What contribution can clean energy make? What are our best and worst-case scenarios? What are the likely long- and short-term effects? How can human activity can impact the environment? Can individuals and governments help reverse the possible effects? Which are the best sources of cleaner energy? With the IPCC predicting a 2.5–10°F warming over the next century, this complex subject will be making temperatures soar for years to come—on both sides of the debate. Climate Change For Dummies is the ideal tool to navigate these increasingly choppy waters—and to make an informed difference where you can.
Now armchair adventurers can find out about the physical, geological, and climatological conditions of the poles; their unique flora, fauna, and human inhabitants; the history of the greatest polar expeditions, the exciting scientific research being conducted there, and what changing climate conditions might mean to the future of this vast and fascinating realm.
Geography is more than just trivia, it can help you understand why we import or export certain products, predict climate change, and even show you where to place fire and police stations when planning a city. If you’re curious about the world and want to know more about this fascinating place, Geography For Dummies is a great place to start. Whether you’re sixteen or sixty, this fun and easy guide will help you make more sense of the world you live in. Geography For Dummies gives you the tools to interpret the Earth’s grid, read and interpret maps, and to appreciate the importance and implications of geographical features such as volcanoes and fault lines. Plus, you’ll see how erosion and weathering have and will change the earth’s surface and how it impacts people. You’ll get a firm hold of everything from the physical features of the world to political divisions, population, culture, and economics. You’ll also discover: How you can have a rainforest on one side of a mountain range and a desert on the other How ocean currents help to determine the geography of climates How to choose a good location for a shopping mall How you can properly put the plant to good use in everything you do How climate affects humans and how humans have affected the climate How human population has spread and the impact it has had on our world If you’re mixed up by map symbols or mystified by Mercator projections Geography For Dummies can help you find your bearings. Filled with key insights, easy-to-read maps, and cool facts, this book will expand your understanding of geography and today’s world.
Time for an upgrade! The fifth edition of The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Computer Basics places the reader in charge of the computer, rather than the other way around, and places the focus on software troubleshooting rather than hardware techno-babble. The reader wants to do something practical with his or her computer—this book shows them how. • Covers basic office programs and how to manage photo, video, and music files • Advice on safe web-surfing, including coverage of newsgroups, message boards, and mailing lists • New green computing initiatives that help protect the environment • Maintenance and upgrading information
Revisiting the most important topic of our time. The rapid warming of the Earth's climate has been a concern for decades. Though many of us understand that temperatures will-on average-rise, the science and the resulting social, economic, and political implications of such a change are far-reaching and complex. This new edition has been completely overhauled, synthesizing the latest information into an easy-to-read reference that provides a fair assessment of climate change, its costs, and even its short-term benefits. ? Covers the newest science and issues surrounding global warming ? Written by a seasoned science/nature journalist
What in the world is going on up there? Look up! It’s a bird; it’s a plane; it’s a Polar mesospheric cloud! When you look to the sky, do you wonder why the Sun is so bright or why the clouds are white or why the sky is blue? Then, Weather For Dummies is your resource to fuel your curiosity about the weather. It takes you on an exciting journey through the Earth's atmosphere and the ways it behaves. You’ll get an overview of rain, Sun, clouds, storms and other phenomena. With helpful photographs and illustrations, you can easily visualize different weather types and relate them into the world around you. The scientific words and phrases are explained in detail (what is barometric pressure?), your curious questions are answered (why do we have seasons?), and the roots of weather myths, proverbs, and sayings are revealed (“early thunder, early spring”). Discover how weather forecasts are made, and what constitutes a weather emergency Find out what causes change in weather, such as how air pressure drives winds Learn how climate change is affecting today’s weather Discover how light plays tricks on our eyes to create effects like rainbows, sun dogs, and halos Have fun with at-home weather experiments, including setting up your own weather station Perfect for any weather amateur, you can have your head in the clouds while your feet are on the ground. Next time you’re outside, take Weather For Dummies along with you, look at the sky, and discover something new about the environment you live in.
