This volume provides an up to date overview of climate variability during the 20th century in the context of natural and anthropogenic variability. It compiles a number of contributions to a workshop held in Gwatt, Switzerland, in July 2006 dealing with different aspects of climate change, variability, and extremes during the past 100 years. The individual contributions cover a broad range of topics. The volume fills a gap in this exciting field of research.

The proposed book is not only a tribute to the work of Bruckner (and indeed also a personal tribute, since Bruckner wrote his book at the Institute of Geography of the University of Bern), but references to Bruckner's book are also a conceptual tool in the proposed book, though used sparingly and thoughtfully. Apart from providing historical context, references may facilitate introducing some complex topics, for instance by first presenting Bruckner's view and then complementing the picture with today's understanding. References can be used for contrast: Comparing Bruckner's methods and data with today's research concepts makes the progress in the field easily understandable. The enormous growth of information since Brukner's time allows a much more detailed perspective on some scientific problems. Or references can be used to highlight similarity. Some aspects have not changed over time. Finally, the book complements Bruckner's studies by adding the arguably most interesting and certainly most relevant period, the past 120 years.

This volume provides an up to date overview of climate variability during the 20th century in the context of natural and anthropogenic variability. It compiles a number of contributions to a workshop held in Gwatt, Switzerland, in July 2006 dealing with different aspects of climate change, variability, and extremes during the past 100 years. The individual contributions cover a broad range of topics. The volume fills a gap in this exciting field of research.