Physics of Societal Issues

by Eric S. Swanson (Author)
Text is structured as a narrative with rich historical context and little mathematics
The central ideas of modern physics are introduced in a non-mathematical, accessible, and historically motivated manner
Covers many issues of current global interest, including climate change, pollution, population growth, nuclear power, renewable energy and the dangers of electromagnetic and nuclear radiation
Students are challenged to question their own beliefs and to develop realistic fact-based worldviews
Explains the differences between science and pseudoscience

This book explores atmospheric-based hazards through focused investigations ranging from a local to global perspective, and includes discussions on modeling aspects for investigating hazards (pollution, regional climate models) and the forecasting and structure of high wind events (derechos), whereas others delve into hazard communication, preparedness, and social vulnerability issues (tornadoes, hurricanes, and lightning).

“This two-volume book originates from Techno-Societal 2022, the 4th International Conference on Advanced Technologies for Societal Applications held in Maharashtra, India. The conference brought together faculty members from various engineering colleges and eminent researchers from reputed organizations to solve Indian regional relevant problems.

This volume presents a comprehensive perspective on the global scientific, technological, and societal impact of nanotechnology since 2000, and explores the opportunities and research directions in the next decade to 2020.

This report presents a program of basic and applied research for the period 2013-2022 that will improve scientific understanding of the mechanisms that drive the Sun's activity and the fundamental physical processes underlying near-Earth plasma dynamics, determine the physical interactions of Earth's atmospheric layers in the context of the connected Sun-Earth system, and enhance greatly the capability to provide realistic and specific forecasts of Earth's space environment that will better serve the needs of society.