Climate, Change and Risk

Citation

Downing, T.E., Olsthoorn, A.J. and Tol, R.S.J. (1999), "Climate, Change and Risk", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 8 No. 5, pp. 370-452. https://doi.org/10.1108/dpm.1999.8.5.370.1

This book is a compilation of those tragic events that are associated with extremes of weather. It looks at these events primarily from an insurance loss viewpoint but despite that it is a good review of the current state of knowledge that many emergency planners will find useful.

The list of contributors is impressive and truly international as would be expected given the topic area.

There is a good overall introduction which sets out the groundwork to be covered in the following 13 sections. The sections are based around the effects that global warming has on climate and hence man and his environment. Some of the sections are heavy going for new readers to the topic but experienced researchers will find much of interest. Those new to the topic will find the generous supply of graphic information helpful, I know I did.

This is a book which should be read by those truly interested in adverse weather effects, but I would not recommend it for those looking for a general overview. It will sit easily on the shelves of lecturers, researchers, advanced students, and emergency planners; and it is quite reasonably priced for this type of publication.