Climate change affects us all, but it can be a confusing business. In this book, three scientists with several decades of experience in assessing the potential effects of climate change for the southern African region share their insights. Complex issues are dealt with in plain language, without oversimplification and with attention to accuracy. The material is up-to-date as is possible in such a fast-developing field. Climate Change: Briefings from Southern Africa takes the form of 55 'frequently-asked' questions', each with a brief and clear reply. It is illustrated with colour diagrams and photographs, and examples are tailored to the regional context. The authors' introduction provides an overview of current national and international policies aimed at regulating climate change. The content is divided into four sections, which take the reader through the science of how climate system works; the projected impacts in southern Africa during the twenty-first century; what this means for the South African economy and society; and what can be done to avoid harm. The briefings can be read alone or in sequence. The year 2015 is regarded as a watershed for global climate change action if a global average temperature rise of more than two degrees abbove the pre-Industrial level is to be avoided. This book provides compelling evidence that the impact on agriculture, fisheries, water resources, human health, plants and animals as well as sea levels will be dangerous. However, the book ends on a positive note by offering advice on how the world can avoid such bleak outcomes, while allowing a good life for all. The volume is aimed at interested non-scientists, including business people, decision-makers, ordinary citizens and students

Table of Contents:
Foreword by Minister Pandor; General introduction: How do governments assess climate change? Earth system science - The processes that underlie climate change; Introduction; Why is Earth habitable?; How do greenhouse gases regulate Earth's temperature?; Is water vapour the most important greenhouse gas?; Why are clouds the wild card in climate change?; Isn't climate change just part of a long-term natural cycle?; Are climate variations just due to volcanoes or other Earth processes?; How do El Nino and La Nina events affect South African weather?; How hot might it get in South Africa this century? How might the rainfall in southern Africa change in the 21st century?; Are extreme weather events related to climate change?; How do land-use changes and deforestation add to global warming?; What is South Africa's contribution to global warming?; What happens to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions?; Can ecosystems keep sucking up carbon dioxide (CO2) from fossil-fuel burning?; Could ocean currents slow down or change direction?; Is there any chance of runaway global warming?; Consequences of a changing climate for the southern African environment; Introduction; Maps: South African biomes, oceans; How resilient are ecosystems to climate change?; How will South Africa's plants respond to climate change?; Could rising carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations boost plant growth?; Is bush encroachment caused by global change?; Will South Africa's land animals cope with climate change?; Are South Africa's birds taking flight?; Will South Africa run out of water?; How will climate change affect freshwater systems?; How much, and how fast, will sea level rise?; What is ocean acidification?; How will ocean acidification affect marine organisms?; How is climate change affecting South Africa's coastal seas?; How is our marine life responding to climate change?; Will coral reefs survive climate change?; How are Antarctica and the Southern ocean responding to climate change?; Climate change at South Africa's Prince Edward islands; Consequences of a changing climate for society; Introduction; Is the South African economy vulnerable to climate change?; How will climate change affect agriculture?; Will there be enough food to eat?; Do cow-farts really cause global warming?; How will forestry in South Africa respond to climate change?; How will climate change affect marine fisheries and aquaculture?; What are the human costs of climate variability?; How do climate and air pollution affect human health?; Is climate change accelerating the spread of malaria in South Africa?; Should South Africans worry about rising sea levels?; What can we do to avoid and adapt to climate change?; Introduction; Is it cheaper to tolerate climate change or prevent it?; Is carbon trading desirable or useful?; Is it possible to take carbon dioxide (CO2) back out of the atmosphere?; Could ocean fertilization fix climate change?; Could we reduce incoming solar radiation?; Are there viable alternatives to coal for South Africa?; Can nuclear power provide the clean energy we need?; Can we harness the sea's energy?; Can we turn garbage into energy?; Do biofuels offer a solution?; Could spekboom save our bacon?; Can we help plants and animals adapt to climate change?; Can we build climate-friendly houses and cities?; How can I reduce my carbon footprint?; Codicil: Is there a dangerous level of climate change?