Rivers in The Books Store

In the 1960s we were warned that the population explosion would lead to mass global starvation. In the 1970s we were warned that the planet was running out of natural resources and that world economic growth would grind to a halt within our lifetimes. When the planet's temperature, which had been gently rising for some 400 years, appeared to be falling again, scientists warned us that we were facing the disaster of a new ice age. In the past year, sensational warnings about climate change have dominated the headlines as we are told that global warming will have disastrous consequences in the very near future unless we take drastic measures now.

In this cautious and reasoned treatise on an issue that effects each and every one of us, former Energy Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Margaret Thatcher government years, Nigel Lawson, argues that it is time to take a cooler look at global warming. Lawson, father of famed cookbook author, looks at the facts behind the headlines and explains that science is only part of the story. For governments to make informed decisions about the path ahead they must listen to economists as well as scientists, utilizing economic forecasting to assess the likely evolution of the world economy, and even more urgently, economic analysis: what is the most cost-effective way of tackling this issue? We also need an understanding of exactly what measures are politically realistic on a global scale.

At a time when politicians and the media are stirring up public and political hysteria on the subject of climate change, Lawson has written a timely disquisition urging us to take into account all the facts in order to deal with the threat of global warming.

Weather: The Ultimate Book of Meteorological Events is a compilation of some of the most spectacular weather photography and writing in the world. Adapted from over 20 years of material from the bestselling Weather Guide calendar, this comprehensive volume combines dozens of essays from more than 20 meteorology and climate change experts. And, in order to fully appreciate the weather's majestic beauty, more than 100 photographers have contributed their awe-inspiring images, expertly portraying some of the most dramatic weather events of the past two decades.

Includes:

* U.S. and international monthly climactic data charts

* 365 days of weather trivia

Amazon.com is celebrating the author's work with an exclusive, free holiday snowfall in our store this season, along with a free activity sheet for snowflake fun with the whole family. Click here to open up the virtual snowfall we've created, and forward this page to share the snowfall with friends and family. If there is real snow where you live, print out the activity sheet (in color or black and white) for easy snowflake identification tips and fun for all ages. Be sure to check out Libbrecht's Field Guide to Snowflakes to see what types of snow crystals are falling!

In this season we're reminded how special everyone is in our lives--and that we are all one of a kind, just like snowflakes. We hope you enjoy our virtual snowfall and share the fun with all the unique people in your life. Happy holidays to you and yours from Amazon.com!

Pictured here is a beautiful example of a stellar dendrite, the largest and most familiar variety of snowflake. Click on the snowflake to open our virtual snowfall, and consult Ken Libbrecht's Field Guide to Snowflakes to see detailed photographs and descriptions of dozens more types of snowflakes, some familiar and some surprising.