'Our Threatened Oceans is a well-written translation of a German book by Rahmstorf (ocean physics, Univ. of Potsdam, Germany) and Richardson (ocean biology, Univ. of Copenhagen, Denmark). The work is part of 'The Sustainability Project,' a series of 12 books (e.g., The Earth, by F. Schmidt-Bleek, CH, Mar'10, 47-3826; Feeding the Planet by K. Hahlbrock, CH, Feb'10, 47-3151) focusing on the challenges of global sustainable development. The authors provide a concise introduction to physical oceanography and the biodiversity of oceans along with an extensive discussion of various global element cycles important in the health of the oceans and the global climate. Two major themes running throughout this book are the interactions between humans and the oceans--we are the primary reason the oceans are threatened--and the oceans' primary role in regulating the global climate system. The book ends with both dark and bright visions of the future, depending on how humans decide to interact with our oceans. This work is suitable for the average reader interested in global climate change and the future of the oceans. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and general readers.' -- S. H. Schimmrich CHOICE Magazine (USA) 201003
