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Climate

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May 1, 2024 Updated May 9, 2025 28 minute read

Climate, in its broadest sense, refers to the long-term statistical patterns of temperature, precipitation, wind, humidity, and other atmospheric conditions in a particular area. It is distinct from weather, which describes these same elements but over a much shorter timeframe, like a day or a week. Think of it this way: weather is what you decide to wear today, while climate is the type of clothing you have in your closet. Understanding climate is fundamental to comprehending our planet and its intricate systems.

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Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Climate.
The latest assessment report from the IPCC, The Sixth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2021, evaluates the current state of scientific understanding on climate change and its potential impacts.
This IPCC report explores the relationship between climate change and land, covering topics such as desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes. It provides insights into the impacts of climate change on land-related issues and identifies adaptation and mitigation strategies.
This IPCC report assesses the impacts of climate change on human and natural systems, vulnerabilities, and adaptation options. It provides a comprehensive overview of climate change impacts and adaptation strategies.
This IPCC report examines the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and explores pathways to limit warming to this level. It provides an overview of the scientific evidence and policy implications of keeping global warming well below 2°C.
This textbook offers a multidisciplinary perspective on climate change, covering the science, impacts, and policy responses to this global challenge. It provides a comprehensive overview of the issue, suitable for both students and general readers.
Presents a detailed plan to reverse global warming, outlining 100 solutions that could collectively achieve this goal. It provides a comprehensive and actionable approach to addressing climate change.
This concise and accessible introduction to climate provides an overview of the science, impacts, and policy responses to climate change. It is an excellent starting point for those seeking a basic understanding of the topic.
Paints a stark picture of the potential consequences of unabated climate change. It explores the likely impacts on human civilization, ecosystems, and the global economy, highlighting the urgency of addressing this global challenge.
This pioneering book, published in 1989, was one of the first to raise public awareness about climate change. It lucidly depicts how human activities are altering the planet's ecosystems and explores the potential consequences of climate change.
By Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen provides a concise and accessible introduction to the atmosphere and its role in climate change. It explains the basic principles of atmospheric science and explores the impacts of human activities on the atmosphere.
This user-friendly guide provides a comprehensive overview of climate change, covering the science, impacts, and potential solutions. It is suitable for readers with little or no prior knowledge of the topic.
Explores the impact of the Little Ice Age on human history, examining how climate change influenced societal transformations, famines, and conflicts. It provides insights into the long-term effects of climate change.
While not directly focused on climate change, this seminal book by Rachel Carson played a crucial role in raising awareness about environmental issues. It exposed the harmful effects of pesticides and inspired the development of environmental policies.
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