A systematic examination by the best writers in a variety of fields working on issues of how climate change affects society, and how social, economic, and political systems can, do, and should respond.

PART I: INTRODUCTION; PART II: THE CHALLENGE AND ITS HISTORY; PART III: SCIENCE, SOCIETY, AND PUBLIC OPINION; PART IV: SOCIAL IMPACTS; PART V: SECURITY; PART VI: JUSTICE; PART VII: PUBLICS AND MOVEMENTS; PART VIII: GOVERNMENT RESPONSES; PART IX: POLICY INSTRUMENTS; PART X: PRODUCERS AND CONSUMERS; PART XI: GLOBAL GOVERNANCE; PART XII: RECONSTRUCTION

This Handbook represents a valuable source of knowledge covering the science of climate change and vital impacts on society not only at the local level but globally. The value of this Handbook lies in the fact that it informs the public on why action by human society in dealing with climate change is critical and urgent.

`This Handbook represents a valuable source of knowledge covering the science of climate change and vital impacts on society not only at the local level but globally. The value of this Handbook lies in the fact that it informs the public on why action by human society in dealing with climate change is critical and urgent.' R K Pachauri, Chairman of the IPCC `Climate change is about the relationship of society with nature and economy. It is also about the 'nature' of human society, our wants, needs and greed. But too little is said about this connection between science and society. This Handbook joins the dots, to bring a rich understanding of how society can 'fix' this existential challenge by 'fixing' itself first. Read it because you must.' Sunita Narain, Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi

A major analysis of a key global issue Broad-ranging treatment of fast-growing field Outstanding range of contributors Multidisciplinary in approach Essential reference for students and scholars in this field

John S. Dryzek is the author of a number of books on democracy and environmental politics. He is Professor of Political Science in the Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance at the Australian National University, and Australian Research Council Federation Fellow. Richard B. Norgaard is an eclectic ecological economist and Professor of Energy and Resources at the University of California, Berkeley. David Schlosberg's work focuses on environmental political theory, environmental justice, and environmental movements. He is Professor of Government and International Relations at the University of Sydney.

A major analysis of a key global issue Broad-ranging treatment of fast-growing field Outstanding range of contributors Multidisciplinary in approach Essential reference for students and scholars in this field