Climate change affects us all, but it can be a confusing business. In this book, three scientists with several decades of experience in assessing the potential effects of climate change for the southern African region share their insights. Complex issues are dealt with in plain language, without oversimplification and with attention to accuracy. The material is up-to-date as is possible in such a fast-developing field. Climate Change: Briefings from Southern Africa takes the form of 55 'frequently-asked' questions', each with a brief and clear reply. It is illustrated with colour diagrams and photographs, and examples are tailored to the regional context. The authors' introduction provides an overview of current national and international policies aimed at regulating climate change. The content is divided into four sections, which take the reader through the science of how climate system works; the projected impacts in southern Africa during the twenty-first century; what this means for the South African economy and society; and what can be done to avoid harm. The briefings can be read alone or in sequence. The year 2015 is regarded as a watershed for global climate change action if a global average temperature rise of more than two degrees abbove the pre-Industrial level is to be avoided. This book provides compelling evidence that the impact on agriculture, fisheries, water resources, human health, plants and animals as well as sea levels will be dangerous. However, the book ends on a positive note by offering advice on how the world can avoid such bleak outcomes, while allowing a good life for all. The volume is aimed at interested non-scientists, including business people, decision-makers, ordinary citizens and students.

Slip on your overalls, pop on your hardhat and jump in the digger - let's build a backyard! We dig, we build, we plant, we sow. We make a place to play and grow. You and me - one, two, three ... GO! Work! Work! Work! A fun look at creating a backyard from scratch; from moving the mud and building the fence through to planting a vegie garden and adding in the compost (Poo! Poo! Poo!). Let's Build a Backyard is a high-energy, brightly illustrated picture book by a real-life engineer, and is the perfect companion to Let's Build a House. 'Children from two or three years up will absolutely love getting into it and chanting along. It's fun to go on the jolly journey from barren block to a garden you'd like to visit, and it seems like the sort of book children will want to read over again, for its rhythms, its logical and simple plot progression, and, of course, the page about spreading manure - "poo poo poo".' BOOKS+PUBLISHING

Slip on your overalls, pop on your hard hat and jump in the digger - let's build a house! First the floor, and then the walls, Then the roof. Let's build it tall. You and me - we'll build it all! Up, up, up. A step-by-step look at how a house is constructed from digging the foundations and laying the bricks through to fitting the drains and painting the walls. Let's Build a House is a high-energy, gorgeously illustrated picture book written by a real-life engineer.