Firmament

The air wrapped around our planet is only a slender skin, yet it keeps every living thing alive and shapes the climate and weather that differ from one region to another.

Atmospheric scientist and science communicator Simon Clark walks readers through how the atmosphere functions and how researchers came to understand it. He explains its layers and why carbon dioxide holds such a notable role, tracing the story from early investigators such as Pascal to the lesser-known scientists whose work has shaped our knowledge of climate change.

The book is aimed at readers who want an approachable guide to a field that rarely gets attention. It lays the groundwork for following today's climate debates and suggests what the future could look like once that knowledge is put to use.