Books 309

Advances in Ecological Research. M. Begon, A.H. Fitter and A. MacFadyen, eds. Volume 22: The Ecological Consequences of Global Climate Change. F.I. Woodward, ed. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Ltd. Kent DA14 5HP, UK, 1992. 337 pp. (ISBN 0- 120013922-7) $79.00 hardcover.

This volume discusses the highly contested and intensely debated subject of global warming and its implications. One of the strongest proponent of global warming, S.H. Schneider, is the author of the first chapter who argues that an increase in CO2 concentration is strongly associated with an in- crease in global temperature. The remaining chapters evaluate the implications of global warming. These include regional climate models, impact on agricul- ture, modeling for vegetation, crop pests, soil chan- ges, and coastal zones. This book is recommended as a library reference.

Microbial Control of Pollution. J.C. Fry, G.M. Gadd, R.A. Herbert, C.W. Jones, and I.A. Wa, eds. Univer- sity of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1RP, Oakley, Victoria 3166, Australia, 1992.343 pp. (ISBN 0-521- 42078-4) $110.00 hardeover.

This volume contains papers presented at a sym- posium in 1990 which was organized by the (British) Society for General Microbiology. It provides an overview of the role of microorganisms in control- ling pollution. The volume begins with a general description of the topic. This is followed by detailed aspects of a range of special cases such as xenobiotics, heavy metals, radionuclides and cyanides. There are also chapters devoted to processes such as land reclama- tion, aerobic/anaerobic treatments of waste and waste water. This book is recommended as a library refer- ence.

Buying Greenhouse Insurance. The Economic Costs of C02 Emission Limits. Alan S. Manne and Richard G. Richels, eds. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 1992 182 pp. (ISBN 0-262-13280-X) $25.00 hard- cover.

This book contains an economic analysis of various options in managing a potential global warm- ing problem, the authors argue that sensible public policy requires balancing benefits and costs. There are large gaps in understanding the impact of an increase of carbon dioxide concentration in the at- mosphere. The authors attempt to answer two major questions. These are: (1) What will reductions in emissions buy in terms of reduced environmental

damages? (2) What will be the price tag? There is no straightforward answer to either question. Accord- ing to the authors, there are two broad schools of thought regarding the policy implications of these scientifific uncertainties. The proponents of immedi- ate controls acknowledge the uncertainties but con- tend that emissions abatement can be justified solely from an insurance perspective. They argue that low- cost alternatives to carbon-intensive fuels are readily available. Given the stakes, it would be reckless to wait for greater scientific consensus. All that is needed is the political will to engineer the transition to a low-carbon economy. If it is true that emissions can be reduced significantly at little or no cost, emis- sion contraints make a good deal of sense. Immediate controls represent a reasonable hedge against unac- ceptably rapid climate change. The second school of thought consists of those who are less sanguine about the costs of emissions abatement. If economically attractive alternatives are currently in existence, what is preventing them from automatically entering the marketplace7 Fossil fuels provide more than 90% of the world's commercial energy. Before obtaining a better understanding of what is at stake, it would be reckless to incur the costs entailed by a rapid transi- tion away from carbon-intensive fuels. The authors attempt to provide the needed economic data to make policy decisions. This book is recommended as a personal copy and as a library reference.

Elephant Memories. Thirteen Years in the Life of an Elephant Family. Cynthia Moss. Ballantine Books, Elmsford, NY, 1988. 299 pp. (ISBN 0-8041-1089- 1) $5.99 softcover.

Empowering Development: The New Energy Equa- tion. Nicholas Lenssen . Worldwatch Ins t i tu te , Washington, DC, 1992. 57 pp. (ISBN 1-878071) $5.00 softcover.

Environmental Science Theory. Concepts and Methods in a One-World, Problem-Oriented Paradigm. Wouter T. de Greet . Elsevier Science Publ ishers B.V. , Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 1992. 583 pp. (ISBN 0-444-88993-0) $225.00/Dfl. 360.00 hard-cover.

Guardians of the Land: Indigenous Peoples and the Health of the Earth. Alan Thein Durning. Worldwatch Institute, Washington, DC, 1992.62 pp. (ISBN 1-878071-13-0) $5.00 softcover.