A significant number of Canadians believe that climate change is the biggest threat facing the world today. Climate change is now more than a scientific debate; it is a matter urgently discussed in the realms 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 explores the politics involved, from the Kyoto process to the approach taken in the United States by the new Obama administration. He evaluates the probable future of business and economics: clean technology, carbon markets, and "weather" markets. What has been Canada's response to the challenges and the opportunities?

And finally, looking forward to future solutions-from the international to the personal-White reminds us of the price of inaction. Up to date and engaging, this is perhaps the most important book for Canadians to read this year.

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Rodney White's profile page

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).