From WORLD SCIENTIFIC and the “let’s dumb it down so these stupid deniers can understand” it department comes this press release that seems pretty desperate. At $150 a copy, and unavailable on Amazon, I’m sure there will be a huge rush to buy it. /sarc
If you follow either traditional news sources or social media, you would have heard strikingly different assertions about scientific issues such as climate change. Is it a “hoax created by the Chinese” or “the most urgent issue confronting the world” today? How is it possible for such contradictory claims to coexist in the scientific community?
Answering such questions requires some understanding of how science is done, on the one hand, and specifically the state-of-the-art of the relevant science. And Science of the Earth, Climate and Energy does just that.
Important problems like energy resources, sustainability and climate change are discussed in the book in terms of basic principles, without much use of mathematics. The reader can then understand the nature of controversial debates which are related to these issues, and so contribute to the discussion from an informed background.
The book begins with a description of the ingredients associated with scientific discovery and debate, in general. A key element is the fundamental premise that “science never proves anything”. Instead, scientific understanding advances through experiments, their analyses and theoretical interpretation by many individuals. If and when a consensus emerges, it is provisional and subject to further testing.
In the case of climate science, such a consensus has been reached: human activities are contributing significantly to climate change. This anthropocentric interpretation implies that global warming, sea level rise, ocean acidification and other consequences of our actions affect our planet adversely. The book describes the evidence for this conclusion and what the troubling situation implies for mitigation of these potential problems.
Since this book is addressed at a general reader, who possesses relatively little relevant background, the level of presentation is appropriately qualitative. Such a reader might want to assess the pertinent scientific evidence and its consequences for him or her, as well as for the planet as a whole. A key component of the book is an extended discussion of actions than can be taken by individuals, through both their energy-related actions and as citizens in their societies’ decision-making.
This book currently retails for US$150 / £130 (hardback) at major bookstores. To know more about the book visit http://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.114210807.
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Update: the link above in their own press release is broken, here is a working one.
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One hundred fifty dollars??? I know cheeseburgers and old fashion’s taste much better when I pay 20 dollars for them, but this seems akin to robbery. Tip of the hat though, these commies love money as good as anyone
Many years ago there was (and may still be) a pc op code labeled RTW. It was inserted into a pc routine to slow the computer down until a desired signal might become available.
The literal meaning of RTW was Real Time Waster …just like this book.
“At $150 a copy, and unavailable on Amazon”
It seems to be on Amazon here at $52.88.
The hardcover edition at that Amazon link has the suggested retail price of $150, but Amazon is offering it for $142.50. The eTextbook edition is only $60.23. I assume that the eTextbook is the same idea as a Kindle edition, and as often the case with Amazon, the price can change. It’s still too rich for my blood.
“In the case of climate science, such a consensus has been reached: human activities are contributing significantly to climate change. This anthropocentric interpretation implies that global warming, sea level rise, ocean acidification and other consequences of our actions affect our planet adversely. The book describes the evidence for this conclusion and what the troubling situation implies for mitigation of these potential problems.”
If AGW effects can be seen, it does not follow that CAGW effects will follow. CAGW effects depend on positive feedback from increased water vapor in the upper tropical troposphere, which hasn’t been seen.
The press release says: “Professors/universities looking into adopting the book may write to sales@wspc.com for an inspection copy.” It’s intended as a textbook for college level indoctrination. That’s also why it’s so expensive. The cost just goes onto the government subsidized college loan account which will never be paid back.