Climate Change and Australia
Warming to the Global Challenge
By: Ben Saul
About This Book
Climate change is one of the most hotly debated issues of this century. Politicians have risen and fallen on its wake, elections have been fought around it, and international leaders have come under unprecedented scrutiny by civil society. As Australia is battered by hotter summers, more frequent and severe floods, devastating bushfires, water shortages in capital cities, and coastal erosion on its beaches, more and more often the question being asked is , 'Is climate change the cause?'This book provides a clear, balanced account of the science on climate change, how it is affecting the planet and Australia, and the policy options available to Australia and the world to deal with it.It draws on the expertise of its authors from the disciplines of science, economics, geography and international law. Inquisitive readership will find this book compelling.Ben Saul is Professor of International Law and an Australian Research Council Future Fellow at the Faculty of Law, The University of Sydney.Steven Sherwood is a Professor at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate System Science and Director of the Climate Change Research Centre at the University of New South Wales.Jane McAdam is a Professor and an Australian Research Council Future Fellow at the Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales and a non-resident Senior Fellow at The Brookings Institution in Washington DC.Tim Stephens is Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Sydney, and Co-Director of the Sydney Centre for International Law.James Slezak is a partner and head of the Sustainability Practice at New York-based social change agency Purpose, and an affiliate at the Harvard Law School's Berkman Center for Internet and Society.
AI Overview
Book Overview: "Climate Change and Australia: Warming to the Global Challenge" by Ben Saul explores the complex issues surrounding climate change, focusing on its scientific and public policy implications for Australia. The book delves into various aspects of climate change, including its scientific basis, physical and economic impacts on Australia and its region, international responses to the issue, and the potential consequences such as forced migration and conflict.
Key Themes:
- Climate Science: The book provides a clear and balanced account of the science behind climate change, addressing topics like greenhouse gas emissions and the role of human activities in causing climate change.
- Physical and Economic Impacts: It examines how climate change is affecting Australia, including its ecosystems, agriculture, and economic systems.
- International and Australian Responses: The book discusses the global efforts to address climate change, including international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Copenhagen climate conference, as well as Australia's specific policies and challenges.
- Forced Migration and Conflict: It explores the potential consequences of climate change, such as displacement of people and increased conflict, often referred to as "climate wars".
- Public Policy and Leadership: The book highlights the importance of moral courage and leadership in addressing climate change, emphasizing the need for a transition to a cleaner, less carbon-intensive economy.
Plot Summary: The book is structured to address these key themes in a comprehensive manner. It begins by discussing the scientific consensus on climate change, including the role of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It then moves on to the physical and economic impacts of climate change on Australia, such as rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and changes in weather patterns. The book also explores the international response to climate change, including global agreements and Australia's specific policies. Finally, it addresses the potential consequences of climate change, such as forced migration and increased conflict.
Critical Reception: While specific reviews of the book are not provided in the sources, the abstract from the academic paper suggests that the book is well-received for its balanced and clear account of climate science and its implications for public policy. The book's comprehensive approach to addressing the complex issues of climate change is likely to be appreciated by scholars and policymakers alike.
Publication Details:
- Author: Ben Saul
- Co-author: Steven Sherwood (for some editions)
- Publisher: Federation Press
- ISBN: 9781862878723
- Date Written: 2012
- Edition Details: Paperback, English
Overall, "Climate Change and Australia: Warming to the Global Challenge" is a seminal work that provides a thorough examination of the scientific and public policy aspects of climate change, making it a valuable resource for understanding this critical global issue.