An introduction to the principles of climate change science with an emphasis on the empirical evidence for climate change and a warming world. Additional readings are given at the end of each chapter. A list of "Things to Know" opens each chapter. Chapters are arranged so that the student is first introduced to the scientific method(s), examples of the use of the scientific method from other sciences drawn from the history of science with an emphasis on climate science. Climate science is treated in each chapter based on the premise of global warming. Chapter treatments on the atmosphere. biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and anthroposphere and their inter-relationships are given.

From the book reviews:

“Climate Change Science: A Modern Synthesis is the latest entry in a small but growing field of texts aimed at students in introductory college courses in climate science. … The book clearly acknowledges the broadly interdisciplinary nature of climate change science, with 22 chapters covering a wide range of topics in climate science. … the book is designed so that the chapters can largely stand on their own and an instructor can pick and choose which topics to emphasize.” (Jonathan Cole, Reports of the National Center for Science Education, Vol. 34 (4), July-August, 2014)

“This book is the first of a two-part series focused on Earth’s climate in the past, present, and future. Volume 1 deals with physical aspects of climate science and provides a broad introduction to scientific inquiry and the history of the discipline, followed by detailed descriptions of climate system components and their importance in a climate change context. … this volume may also be a useful reference for people working in climate-related disciplines. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, researchers/faculty, professionals.” (J. Schoof, Choice, Vol. 51 (4), December, 2013)