Climate change is no longer an issue just of science, but also of politics, geography, and economics. Rodney White, former Director of University of Toronto's Institute for Environmental Studies, is uniquely placed to write this short, accessible introduction to one of the most important issues facing us all.

What is most likely to happen in Canada? From melting permafrost and falling water levels in the Great Lakes to extreme weather events, White guides us through the latest science and expert predictions. He also evaluates the probable future of business and economics, the approach taken by the new Obama administration, and the "carbon economy." And finally, looking forward to future solutions, White reminds us of the price of inaction.

• List of Tables


• List of Figures


• Acknowledgements


• Acronyms and Formulae


• 1: Climate Change: What is Happening in Canada?


• 2: How Did We Get Into This Mess?


• 3: Likely Impacts on Canada and Canadians


• 4: Canada in the Global Context


• 5: Some Technical and Political Options for Mitigation


• 6: Impacts on Canadian Resources, Livelihoods, and Quality of Life


• 7: The Political Arena


• 8: Business and the Economy


• 9: Canada's Record on Greenhouse Gas Emissions


• 10: The Emergence of a Global Carbon Economy


• 11: The Risks Attendant on Further Delay


• 12: Opportunities in Climate Change


• Glossary


• Further Reading


• References


• Index

Rodney White is a Professor of Geography and former Director of the Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Toronto (now known as the Centre for Environment). He has also taught at Northwestern University, McMaster University, and Ibadan University in Nigeria. He was the Principal Researcher and Head of the Evaluation Bureau, reporting to the Development Economics Department, The World Bank, Washington, D.C. (1975-76).