A history of the science and politics of climate change: the role of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Book · Thu Nov 15 04:00:00 EST 2007

OSTI ID:21036869

Bolin, B ^[1]

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1. University of Stockholm, Stockholm (Sweden)

In response to growing concern about human-induced global climate change, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was formed in 1988. Written by its first Chairman, this book is a unique overview of the history of the IPCC. It describes and evaluates the intricate interplay between key factors in the science and politics of climate change, the strategy that has been followed, and the regretfully slow pace in getting to grips with the uncertainties that have prevented earlier action being taken. The book also highlights the emerging conflict between establishing a sustainable global energy system and preventing a serious change in global climate. Contents are: Part I. The Early History of the Climate Change Issue: 1. Nineteenth century discoveries; 2. The natural carbon cycle and life on earth; 3. Global research initiatives in meteorology and climatology; 4. Early international assessments of climate change; Part II. The Climate Change Issue Becomes One of Global Concern: 5. Setting the stage; 6. The scientific basis for a climate convention; 7. Serving the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee; 8. The Second IPP Assessment Report; 9. In the aftermath of the IPCC Second Assessment; 10. The Kyoto Protocol is agreed and a third assessment begun; 11. A decade of hesitance and slow progress; Part III. A Turning Point in Addressing Climate Change?: 12. Key scientific finding of prime political relevance; 13. Climate change and the future global energy supply system; Concluding remarks. 9 figs.

• OSTI ID: 21036869
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CARBON CYCLE
CARBON DIOXIDE
CLIMATIC CHANGE
EMISSION
ENERGY SUPPLIES
FOSSIL FUELS
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
GREENHOUSE GASES
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
KYOTO PROTOCOL
NEGOTIATION
POLITICAL ASPECTS
POWER GENERATION