This book discusses the history of environmental science and climate change, and the initiation and development of different parameters determining climate changes. The account of the history of such changes and turmoil in India and abroad starts in the prehistoric period, long before the emergence of "Rigveda", the first human written work. The book describes the writings of Aristotle and Theophrastus on climatic disasters and their impact on the vegetation and society in Greek and Roman history, and addresses different studies related to climate change during the prehistoric period and their chronological development. The first book of its kind, it enhances our understanding the origin of research on climate change and climate related problems, and as such is a valuable resource for postgraduate students of agriculture and environment sciences, research scholars, scientists, environmentalists and policy planners.

This is a research based study for characterization of physiological and biochemical responses of crop plants to elevated level of atmospheric CO2 concentration which is one of the most likely outcomes of global climate change. The crop addressed is Indian mustard (Brassica spp.) which is being a C3 plant, is vulnerable to changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration and temperature as it is mostly cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. The differential responses of Brassica cultivars indicated the selection of RH 30 (B. juncea) as the better responsive cultivar for future higher CO2 concentration. The overall characterization of responses of these cultivars to high CO2 environment suggests a suitable cultivation and nutrient management system for future climatic condition. The data collected in the present investigation will help in development of plant type and model plant for future climate change.