Positive suggestions for practical solutions to this heated issue

Hotly debated in the political arena and splashed across the media almost 24/7, global warming has become the topic of the moment. Whatever one's views on its cause, there is no denying that the earth's climate is changing, and people everywhere are worried. Global Warming For Dummies sorts out fact from fiction, explaining the science behind climate change and examining the possible long-term effects of a warmer planet. This no-nonsense yet friendly guide helps readers explore solutions to this challenging problem, from what governments and industry can do to what readers can do at home and how to get involved.

Elizabeth May is the former executive director of the Sierra Club of Canada. Zo Caron is the Atlantic Regional Coordinator for the Sierra Youth Coalition's Sustainable Campuses project.

The past decade has seen warmer than usual winters in North America, with the past winter being the warmest yet. Worldwide, glaciers are melting, and warming oceans have brought fiercer and fiercer hurricane seasons. The earth's climate is changing, and people are worried. In a recent Angus Reid Global Scan poll of 30 countries, 90 percent of respondents felt that global warming was a serious or somewhat serious problem. Ninety-one percent of respondents in Canada, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom expressed concern about the future of the environment in general. Media coverage of global warming has increased as well: Time magazine ran a cover story on the issue the week of April 3 with the headline, Be Worried. Be Very Worried. Al Gore's newly-released documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, is bringing significant attention to the topic. The National Academy of Sciences recently presented a report, commissioned by the House Science Committee, that stated that global warming is real, and that human activities are responsible for much of the recent warming. Global Warming For Dummies will appeal to readers daunted by Tim Flannery's The Weather Makers or who wanted to know more than Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth offered. Although the book will not sugar-coat this serious topic, its friendly, conversational style and upbeat attitude will entice readers who are interested in the subject but have been reluctant to read about it previously. Global Warming For Dummies explains the science behind climate change, helping readers to understand this challenging subject. The book looks at the major contributors to climate change, and considers thepossible long-term effects of a warmer planet. Readers will also explore solutions to the problem, from what governments and industry can do, to what they can do at home and how they can get involved.