Brief History of the Earth's Climate

“Give[s] . . . policymakers and concerned citizens a more thorough understanding of climate science and renewed conviction . . . on leaving fossil fuels behind.” —Tom Green, Senior Climate Policy Advisor, David Suzuki Foundation

A Brief History of the Earth’s Climate is an accessible guide to the natural evolution of the Earth’s climate over 4.6 billion years, and how and why human-caused global warming is different and much more dangerous.

Richly illustrated chapters cover the major historical climate change processes including evolution of the sun, plate motions and continental collisions, volcanic eruptions, changes to major ocean currents, Earth’s orbital variations, sunspot variations, and short-term ocean current cycles. There is also an overview of the implications of the COVID pandemic for climate change. Content includes:Understanding natural geological processes that shaped the climateHow human impacts are now rapidly changing the climateTipping points and the unfolding climate crisisWhat we can do to limit the damage to the planet and ecosystemsCountering climate myths peddled by climate change science deniers.

A Brief History of the Earth’s Climate is essential reading for everyone who is looking to understand what drives climate change, counter skeptics and deniers, and take action on the climate emergency.

“Earle understands the big climate picture and paints it with exceptional clarity.” —James Hansen, director, Climate Science, Awareness and Solutions, Columbia University Earth Institute

Steven Earle’s innate story-telling ability, coupled with his remarkable talent for making complex scientific information accessible, makes this page-turner a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the Earth’s climate system.” —Andrew Weaver, University of Victoria, lead author, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change