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In 1890, Eduard Brückner, a leading climate scientist in his time, published a book entitled Klima-Schwankungen seit 1700 (Climatic changes since 1700). In this landmark publication, Brückner studied past climate based on historical observations and indirect evidence (proxies). He argued for multi decadal climatic changes, against the prevalent conception of a stable climate – a thoroughly modern perspective. Brückner also explicitly presented the study of past climate as a key to the future.
Climatic Changes Since 1700 is not only a tribute to the work of Brückner (and indeed also a personal tribute, since Brückner wrote his book at the Institute of Geography of the University of Bern), but references to Brückner's book are also a conceptual tool in the book, though used sparingly and thoughtfully. Apart from providing historical context, references may facilitate introducing some complex topics, for instance by first presenting Brückner's view and then complementing the picture with today's understanding. References can be used for contrast: Comparing Brückner's methods and data with today's research concepts makes the progress in the field easily understandable.
The enormous growth of information since Brückner's time allows a much more detailed perspective on some scientific problems. Or references can be used to highlight similarity. Some aspects have not changed over time. Finally, Climatic Changes Since 1700 complements Brückner's studies by adding the arguably most interesting and certainly most relevant period, the past 120 years.
1. Introduction
2. The Basis: Past Climate Observations and Methods
3. The Machinery: Mechanisms behind Climate Changes
4. Climate Changes since 1700
5.Conclusions
References
