This book presents the latest results of global warming researches focusing on Japanese and international efforts. In 2002, Japan initiated Global Warming Research Initiatives lead by the Council for Science and Technology Policy, which aims to harmonize the national research activities and projects. This book is the first report from the initiative. In this book, latest knowledge and future research directions are described for four study areas of the initiative: monitoring and process study, projection modelling and climate change study, impact and risk assessment, and response policies. Readers can review the major topic areas on global warming and climate change. They include the circulation of green house gases in the atmosphere, major results of climate observation, climate prediction made by the Earth Simulator supercomputer, predicted impacts of climate change and future threats, and mitigation and adaptation strategies on climate policy.

Of interest to both researchers and policy makers
Suitable for course use