Fixing Climate, By Robert Kunzig & Wallace Broecker

Confused bystanders in the science wars over climate change often want to know just how the experts know. This absorbing but (be warned) controversial book tells one segment of that story supremely well.

Environmental scientist Wally Broecker warned about global warming in 1975, and since then has raced far ahead of the pack in identifying likely causes and outcomes of catastrophic climate shifts.

With clarity and conviction, Robert Kunzig outlines the ground-breaking research into past "abrupt changes" and present trends in ice, air and ocean that led Broecker and fellow-pioneers to factor in the effects of fossil-fuel emissions, and see crises ahead.

The finale moves into Broecker's schemes for large-scale carbon capture and disposal via air-scrubbing technology. The jury of his peers remains out on this plan.