Public and media interest in the climate change issue has increased exponentially in recent years. Climate change, or "global warming," is a complex problem with far-reaching social and economic impacts, yet few sources present the whole picture. "Climate Change in the Twenty-first Century" brings together all the major aspects of global warming science and illustrates how each field of research contributes to our collective understanding of the environmental and social crisis on global and local scales.It explains and clarifies fundamental ideas behind different ways of approaching the study of climate change, from the underpinnings of climate models and impact models to the application of dialogue processes and integrated assessment methods. It also covers the historical aspects of climate research and considers adaptation and mitigation strategies, as well as links with sustainable development. In language accessible to a broad audience, "Climate Change in the Twenty-first Century" provides a comprehensive introduction to the world's biggest interdisciplinary challenge.