"The Forgiving Air" is an authoritative, up-to-date hand-book on global change. Written by a scientist for non-scientists, this primer humanises the great environmental issues of our time - the ozone hole, the greenhouse effect, acid rain, and air pollution - and explains everything in accessible, reader-friendly terms. Our planet's climate has been changing naturally since the earth came into existence, but its nearly six billion human inhabitants are now such a potent force that their influence on the global environment rivals that of Mother Nature. Somerville highlights the interrelatedness of human activity and global change, stressing the importance of an educated public in a world where the role of science is increasingly critical. He covers many topics clearly and vividly, from the varieties of gases in the atmosphere to the nature of computer modeling. In addition, "The Forgiving Air" is rich in historical anecdotes and information about the scientists whose research has advanced our understanding.