Global warming : the truth behind the myth /

The skepticism implied by the title of this book is followed by skillfully reasoned arguments against environmental predictions obtained by inadequate computer models that overlook important factors such as solar variation, cloud types, and atmospheric particles. Parsons asserts that the myth of global warming results from the mixing of known facts with unfounded assumptions based on simplistic computer modeling. Building from a recognized relationship between carbon dioxide and a greenhouse effect described by the French scientist Fourier in the 1820s, Parsons cites the major contribution of Svante Arrhenius in 1896 and G.S. Callendar in 1938 in describing the impact of carbon-based fuel combustion. Readers are urged to judge the validity of complex computer models by carefully examining input data, including all factors, testing the models, limiting extrapolation, and avoiding "adjustment" factors. Apart from one curious inclusion suggesting that the nuclear reactions taking place on the sun are the same as those of an atomic bomb, the questions raised by this author demand attention. All levels. R. M. Ferguson Eastern Connecticut State University

Parsons makes the Panglossian argument that we should not worry about global warming. ``Deserts could become producing farmlands!'' ``[M]aybe a warmer world is a better world.'' In addition to allaying readers' fears of global warming, Parsons has two other goals. The first, detailing many of the physical and biological factors that shape worldwide climate, he does fairly well. The second, asserting that all climatological models are incorrect and that therefore there is no reason to believe that global warming will occur, is suspect. He notes correctly that the models are not complete but ignores the fact that the shortcomings are well known and that the majority of atmospheric scientists have still concluded that global warming is of serious concern to humanity. Instead, he contends that scientists exaggerate their findings ``because of the need for popular and political support to fund the very expensive climate research.'' It's a good bet that any book whose preface claims ``This is not an anti-environment book'' is exactly that. Parsons's book is no exception to that rule. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved