Book Review

by Paul Ganderton

Barron M. 1996. Climatic Variation in Earth History. University Science Books. pp 25. ISBN 0 935702 82 2. £12.95

Ennis CA. and Marcus N11. 1996. Biological Consequences of Global Climate Change. University Science Books. pp 53. ISBN 0 935702 85 7. £13.95.

These two slim volumes are part of an American series called the "Global Change Instruction Prograin' which aims to gives nonscientists a thorough grounding in the science needed to understand the complexities of the current debate. Climatic Variation" examines climate change within a geological framework noting that such patterns as we see today are far from unique. Taking case studies from plate tectonic theory and Pleistocene glaciations, Barron demonstrates that variation can come from a number of sources not just anthropogenic. 'Miological Consequences..." tackles another aspect which is often hotly debated. The book's two sections deal with climate/biota links and the egects of gases on plants (C02/03). As with the other text there are a number of good diagrams reinforcing the science.

Given the range of material presented in the global warming debate it's refreshing to see two aspects so simply yet effectively introduced. Although aimed at the undergraduate there's no doubt that a sixthform pupil could deal easily with the material. These texts are extremely useful additions to the debate - other titles in the series should prove equally illuminating.