The Rough Guide To The Future

Find the future now with 50 predictions in The Rough Guide to the Future. Wondering what's really in store for the human race? Nanotechnology and gene enhancements, solar power and carbon capture? Or oil shocks, water wars, food shortages, and mass extinction? The Rough Guide to the Future cuts a clear path through the jungle of scientific research and political debate, steering you around the prophets of doom and the utopian visionaries, to take you on a tour of the likeliest possibilities for the rest of this century - and beyond. It covers 50 predictions from the world's leading futurologists and chronicles predictions from the past along with visions of the future. You'll find out where we go from here with The Rough Guide to the Future.

The Rough Guide to Climate Change gives the complete picture of the single biggest issue facing the planet. Cutting a swathe through scientific research and political debate, this completely updated 3rd edition lays out the facts and assesses the options-global and personal-for dealing with the threat of a warming world. The guide looks at the evolution of our atmosphere over the last 4.5 billion years and what computer simulations of climate change reveal about our past, present and future. This updated edition includes scientific findings that have emerged since the 2007 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), as well as background on recent controversies and an updated politics section that reflects post-Copenhagen developments. Discover how rising temperatures and sea levels, plus changes to extreme weather patterns, are already affecting life around the world. The Rough Guide to Climate Change unravels how governments, scientists and engineers plan to tackle the problem and includes information on what you can do to help.

The great scientific visionary of our age presents a radical vision of humanity’s future as the thinking brain of our Earth-system. A Rough Ride to the Future introduces two new Lovelockian ideas. The first is that three hundred years ago, when Thomas Newcomen invented the steam engine, he was unknowingly beginning what James Lovelock calls “accelerated evolution.” That is a process that is bringing about change on our planet roughly a million times faster than Darwinian evolution. The second idea is that as part of this process, humanity has the capacity to become the intelligent part of Gaia, the self-regulating earth system whose discovery Lovelock first announced nearly fifty years ago. A Rough Ride to theFuture is also an intellectual autobiography, in which Lovelock reflects on his life as a lone scientist and asks—eloquently—whether his career trajectory is possible in an age of increased bureaucratization. We are now changing the atmosphere again, and Lovelock argues that there is little that can be done about this. But instead of feeling guilty, we should recognize what is happening, prepare for change, and ensure that we survive as a species so we can contribute to—perhaps even guide—the next evolution of Gaia. The road will be rough, but if we are smart enough, life will continue on earth in some form far into the future. Praise for A Rought Ride to the Future “Arresting and disturbing . . . Lovelock writes wonderfully well. With the authority of age, his voice is that of an elder statesman . . . The result is mellifluous and fluent.” —Nature “Though the subject matter could scarcely be more discouraging, Lovelock’s fluent prose and vast range of knowledge make it a surprisingly easy read. . . . His writing has enormous warmth and vitality.” —Financial Times “The most important book for me this year . . . Lovelock is the most prescient of scientists. . . . He has given us a handbook for human survival.” —John Gray, The Guardian “Not simply another look at Mother Nature’s uncertain future, but a revealing glimpse at the life of an outspoken and accomplished man of ideas.” —Publishers Weekly

How does memory work? Are we addicted to television? What is Alzheimer's Disease? Can machines read our minds? The human brain, with all its inherent complexity, has taken on near mythical status. Its 100 billion nerve cells, forged by nature and refined over millions of years, allow humans the capacity to survive, create culture, love. Once an impenetrable grey mass, modern science is getting to grips with our brains at an unprecedented rate. We are moving from a time of anatomy, in which science did well to characterise the various regions of the brain, to a time in which we can observe thought processes in real time. We have entered a neural renaissance. The Rough Guide to the Brain is for anyone who's ever wanted to know more about how their brain and mind works - and what goes wrong when it doesn't. From how we evolved such an impressive organ to how it achieves the feat that is you. Including numerous insights from leaders in their fields, there's no better way to stimulate your grey matter.

From cosmopolitan Paris to the sunny Cote d'Azur, from historical Normandy to the rocky Pyrenes, this new edition updates the best of towns, attractions, and landscapes of every region. 100 maps. of color photos.

How does memory work? Are we addicted to television? What is Alzheimer's Disease? Can machines read our minds? The human brain, with all its inherent complexity, has taken on near mythical status. Its 100 billion nerve cells, forged by nature and refined over millions of years, allow humans the capacity to survive, create culture, love. Once an impenetrable grey mass, modern science is getting to grips with our brains at an unprecedented rate. We are moving from a time of anatomy, in which science did well to characterise the various regions of the brain, to a time in which we can observe thought processes in real time. We have entered a neural renaissance. The Rough Guide to the Brain is for anyone who's ever wanted to know more about how their brain and mind works - and what goes wrong when it doesn't. From how we evolved such an impressive organ to how it achieves the feat that is you. Including numerous insights from leaders in their fields, there's no better way to stimulate your grey matter. Now available in ePub format.

From the opening and closing of oceans over millions of years to the overnight reshaping of landscapes by volcanoes, the Earth beneath our feet is constantly changing. The Rough Guide to the Earth explores all aspects of our dynamic planet, from the planet’s origins and evolution and the seasons and tides to melting ice caps, glaciers and climate change. Featuring many spectacular images and helpful diagrams, this Rough Guide provides a fascinating and accessible introduction to Earth science.

Planning a trip around the world? The Rough Guide to First-Time Around the World is loaded with the very latest travel information, from visas and insurance to vaccinations and round-the-world tickets. This guidebook will help you design the best possible trip, with tips on using your phone abroad and guidance on which websites, apps, and travel agencies to use to get the best deals and advice. You'll find insightful information on what to pack and which festivals not to miss, how to stay safe and - perhaps most important - how to get under the skin of a place and meet the locals in a natural way. In addition to an inspirational, full-color "Things Not to Miss" section, The Rough Guide to First-Time Around the World includes regional profiles and maps to help you plan your route and plenty of practical advice to help you save money. This guide has everything you need to make your trip as enriching and memorable as it should be. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to First-Time Around the World. Series Overview: For more than thirty years, adventurous travelers have turned to Rough Guides for up-to-date and intuitive information from expert authors. With opinionated and lively writing, honest reviews, and a strong cultural background, Rough Guides travel books bring more than 200 destinations to life. Visit RoughGuides.com to learn more.