Australia's most wide-ranging examination of the greenhouse/climate change issue is now available in a book launched today by the Chief Executive of CSIRO, Dr Malcolm McIntosh.

"Greenhouse: Coping with Climate Change contains a wealth of information on greenhouse science, the likely impacts of climate change and assessments of our response options," said Dr McIntosh at the launch.

"The book will play an important role in underpinning policy development, and in making this wide range of assessments available to professionals and interested members of the community," said Dr McIntosh.

Featuring 38 papers from leading Australian and New Zealand experts, Greenhouse: Coping with Climate Change presents scientific, technical, economic and social assessments of greenhouse/climate change. Included are assessments of the likely impacts of climate change, evaluations of energy taxes and discussions on energy efficiency.

Other key topics in the book include: the changing composition of our air; the role of forests in absorbing carbon dioxide; impacts on natural ecosystems, agriculture, water resources and fisheries; carbon taxes; international implications of climate change and climate change responses.

Dr McIntosh launched the greenhouse book at a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of CSIRO's Division of Atmospheric Research in Aspendale, a southern suburb of Melbourne.

Greenhouse: Coping with Climate Change was produced by CSIRO Publishing (Melbourne). The editors are Drs Willem Bouma and Graeme Pearman from CSIRO's Division of Atmospheric Research, and Dr Martin Manning from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research in New Zealand.

More information from:Willem Bouma 03 9239 4657 (W); 03 9787 4342 (H) or Paul Holper 03 9239 4661 (W); 03 9583 9903 (H)