The Climatic Scene

Book excerpt: Originally published in 1985, this volume of essays was compiled in honour of Gordon Manley, a major and distinctive twentieth-century figure in climatology. The range and scope of the topics covered reflect the eclectic interests of Manley, whose orientation was always towards the importance of climate and its impact on mankind. The state of the art of climatic change is considered at different scales by the contributors: from instrumental records on a local scale from Durham and Manchester to discussions on the regional and continental scale. Methodological problems relating to climatic change are treated. The effects of climate and climatic change on plant distribution, disease vectors and agricultural pests are also considered.