Choice Review

Global warming is well documented, yet its cause is debated. Surveillance and testing must continue while considering modification and prophylactic action. Singer (George Mason Univ.) and Avery (Hudson Institute) provide serious disservice through Unstoppable Global Warming. The 1,500-year cycle they describe is well documented and needs to be part of efforts to understand climate patterns. However, their stylistic ridicule of counter-theories concludes that current warming is cyclical and only "coping" technologies need advancing. They advocate "relocating in the air-conditioned South" and assure that "high-yield farming will ensure adequate food." "We will be readily able to transport food to cities that cannot otherwise sustain themselves. In fact, we already do," they say. Few hardships will ensue: "Where severe droughts appear we ... have to accept (that) people may have to move. These days that's not so hard, especially with government emergency assistance." They opine that current research and debate is self-serving. Reputable journals provide supporting views while opposition comes from fringe sources and local newspapers. Data are skewed and misleading. The global warming debate should fully engage scientists, politicians, sociologists, engineers, and interested citizens. Singer and Avery's work seeks to end this discussion through an overdramatized, simplistic view. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Graduate students; faculty and researchers. M. Schaab Maine Maritime Academy