Climate change is one of the most important and controversial issues of the 21st century. This Very Short Introduction provides a concise and accessible guide to how and why climate change is happening, and explores what might happen in the future. Previously titled Global Warming: A Very Short Introduction, this new edition reflects a key change in the terminology over the past decade. Mark Maslin's compelling account takes in all of the latest developments, including up-to-date analyses of the IPCC 5th Assessment Report and the international climate negotiations. Exploring the scientific, political, social, and economic issues, along with the raging debate over acceptance of the science of climate change, he discusses not only the problem but also the potential technical and political solutions.