The climate record for the past 100,000 years clearly indicates that the climate system has undergone periodic—and often extreme—shifts, sometimes in as little as a decade or less. The causes of abrupt climate changes have not been clearly established, but the triggering of events is likely to be the result of multiple natural processes.
Abrupt climate changes of the magnitude seen in the past would have far-reaching implications for human society and ecosystems, including major impacts on energy consumption and water supply demands. Could such a change happen again? Are human activities exacerbating the likelihood of abrupt climate change? What are the potential societal consequences of such a change?
Abrupt Climate Change: Inevitable Surprises looks at the current scientific evidence and theoretical understanding to describe what is currently known about abrupt climate change, including patterns and magnitudes, mechanisms, and probability of occurrence. It identifies critical knowledge gaps concerning the potential for future abrupt changes, including those aspects of change most important to society and economies, and outlines a research strategy to close those gaps.
Based on the best and most current research available, this book surveys the history of climate change and makes a series of specific recommendations for the future.
National Research Council. 2002. Abrupt Climate Change: Inevitable Surprises. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/10136.
Chapters | skim | |
---|---|---|
Front Matter | i-xiv | |
Executive Summary | 1-9 | |
1 Introduction to Abrupt Changes in the Earth's Climate | 10-18 | |
2 Evidence of Abrupt Climate Change | 19-72 | |
3 Processes that Cause Abrupt Climate Change | 73-106 | |
4 Global Warming as a Possible Trigger for Abrupt Climate Change | 107-117 | |
5 Economic and Ecological Impacts of Abrupt Climate Change | 118-152 | |
6 Findings and Recommendations | 153-167 | |
References | 168-200 | |
Appendix A Committee and Staff Biographies | 201-207 | |
Appendix B Board Rosters | 208-211 | |
Appendix C Workshop Agenda | 212-213 | |
Appendix D Workshop Participants | 214-215 | |
Appendix E Impacts Workshop Program | 216-217 | |
Appendix F Impacts Workshop Participants | 218-219 | |
Appendix G Acronym List | 220-222 | |
Index | 223-230 | |
Color Plates | 231-238 |
The Chapter Skim search tool presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter. You may select key terms to highlight them within pages of each chapter.
The National Academies Press (NAP) has partnered with Copyright Clearance Center's Rightslink service to offer you a variety of options for reusing NAP content. Through Rightslink, you may request permission to reprint NAP content in another publication, course pack, secure website, or other media. Rightslink allows you to instantly obtain permission, pay related fees, and print a license directly from the NAP website. The complete terms and conditions of your reuse license can be found in the license agreement that will be made available to you during the online order process. To request permission through Rightslink you are required to create an account by filling out a simple online form. The following list describes license reuses offered by the National Academies Press (NAP) through Rightslink:
Click here to obtain permission for the above reuses. If you have questions or comments concerning the Rightslink service, please contact:
Rightslink Customer Care
Tel (toll free): 877/622-5543
Tel: 978/777-9929
E-mail: customercare@copyright.com
Web: http://www.rightslink.com
To request permission to distribute a PDF, please contact our Customer Service Department at 800-624-6242 for pricing.
To request permission to translate a book published by the National Academies Press or its imprint, the Joseph Henry Press, pleaseclick here to view more information.