Publisher's Synopsis
This book takes a dispassionate look at the physics and chemistry behind the phenomena of global warming, using numerical calculations where possible to evaluate the present and future effects of our fossil fuel burning. Relatively simple science explains fully the warming and the carbon dioxide growth which has happened over the last century. Extending the same calculations to predicting the future suggests that a very modest warming of less than a degree centigrade can be expected in the next hundred years. The sea is shown to be absorbing more carbon dioxide than is to be expected, possibly because the carbon dioxide is being 'neutralized' by the calcium carbonate on the sea bed. Claims of catastrophic futures cannot be justified by reasoned scientific argument, and in particular the predictions of the global models which have not proved themselves are to be treated with great reserve. The real problem with fossil fuels is that they are likely to become scarce rather than cause serious global warming. This book describes the science of the contenders for fossil fuel replacement, together with the technological problems associated with them. Renewables can only be part of the answer because they are not a steady, reliable energy source. A base load, steady, source of power generation is required, and there seems to be no alternative except nuclear power. The established uranium based nuclear reaction is the least safe of all possible nuclear processes. There are other safer, cleaner nuclear reactions and technologies available, but they need development.
