This succinct, compact introduction to meteorology is designed especially for those with minimal background in science and mathematics. Using an exceptionally readable, extensively illustrated, and interest-sustaining approach, it describes all the essential features of the atmosphere — including weather, climate, and climate change. Covers all major weather and climate topics — atmospheric composition and air pollution, clouds and precipitation, atmospheric energy cycles, causes of wind systems and the jet stream, cyclones and anticyclones, severe weather (including thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes), and cause of climate and climate change (natural and human). Describes how weather forecasting is done. Explains how significant changes to the global environment — and probably climate — are being caused by rapidly increasing number of humans and our increased consumption of energy and other raw materials.