Climate Change in Practice

'The most engaging book I have read about climate change in many years. I found it difficult to put down! It takes a fresh and novel perspective on climate change science, through critical analysis of the utility and applicability of the science for use in society. Comprehensively researched and up to date, many of the issues discussed relate to recent debates and developments in the field of climate change science and policy. At each stage, the scientific and societal challenges of the production and use of the scientific material is considered. The exercises are novel, thought-provoking, and will engage today's students - I look forward to applying them in my own classroom. The book is extremely well written, in accessible language, and is brimming over with relevant and attractive photographs, maps and diagrams. It will appeal to students, instructors, decision-makers, and researchers of climate change alike.' Rachel Warren, University of East Anglia

'Climate Change in Practice is an excellent and much needed book that challenges the reader to think broadly about a range of issues surrounding the climate change debate. The author has a unique range of expertise and experiences to tackle such broad topics. While intended for students and practitioners in the climate services industry, the book also provides a very valuable context not only for the climate-interested public but also for climate researchers, regarding the technical, socio-economic and moral questions surrounding the applications of climate science.' Judith Curry, Georgia Institute of Technology

'Wilby's Climate Change in Practice could hardly have come at a more timely moment as the debate around climate change mitigation is sharpened by recent political developments. Illustrated throughout by relevant real world problems, accessible to the lay person, and informative for experts, this is an enjoyable and fascinating read for anyone with an interest in one of the major challenges for human society in the 21st century. Addressing the climate change science-policy interface, it provides a discussion of competing perspectives based on critical evaluation of supporting data and analyses. Wilby is uniquely well qualified to write about this boundary area, with a background that includes academic research, a senior advisory role for government, and extensive consultancy experience, and the book consistently impresses with its wide range of authoritative and up-to-date material.' Howard Wheater, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

'Climate Change in Practice certainly meets its stated aims of challenging and provoking using contemporary societal problems and is an ideal resource for students and their teachers. However, the final chapters of the book also demonstrate that its worth lies beyond that of a classroom manual, as it reinforces the assertion that how we address the challenges posed by climate change matters and it concludes with serious messages around the...

Robert L. Wilby is Professor of Hydroclimatic Modelling in the Department of Geography at Loughborough University. His research expertise covers climate risk assessment and adaptation planning for freshwater systems, regional climate downscaling and hydrological modelling, climate services, capacity development, and environmental monitoring and management. In addition to his academic positions, Professor Wilby has spent time at the US National Center for Atmospheric Research, as well as in commerce for Severn Trent Water, in consultancy for the Department for International Development, the World Bank and the World Wildlife Fund, and in government at the Environment Agency of England and Wales.

Preface; 1. What is the average global temperature and how has it changed?; 2. Why does climate change?; 3. What does it take to build a model of the climate system?; 4. How trustworthy are climate models?; 5. What is the purpose of regional climate downscaling?; 6. What is the 'uncertainty cascade' and why does it matter?; 7. What shapes climate vulnerability?; 8. When are climate forecasts good enough to take action?; 9. Whom or what are most at risk from climate change?; 10. How can urbanites avoid becoming climate victims or villains?; 11. What is dangerous climate change?; 12. Why and how are carbon footprints measured?; 13. How to decarbonise economies?; 14. How is it possible to adapt to an uncertain climate?; 15. Could or should humankind geoengineer Earth?; 16. How is climate change communicated?; 17. Who are climate experts?; 18. How connected is climate change to other global challenges?; References; Index.