From the co-author of Why Buildings Fall Down and Why the Earth Quakes (Norton) comes another fascinating look at practical science. This time it's the science of weather.
Like Levy's other books, this is a page-turner. He recounts fascinating true stories of exploration, each affected by weather and mankind's ignorance of its consequences.
Over 70 illustrations by artist Sue Storey help to make the material easy to follow.
Today, he shows, we can no longer afford ignorance of the subject, as we face the greatest weather-related challenge in human history, global warming. Action is needed now to alter its potentially devastating effects on future generations.
In easily understandable prose and through the use of true stories of exploration, Why the Wind Blows looks at how these adventures were influenced by the weather and man's ignorance of its consequences. The science of meteorology is gently interspersed throughout the text, so that understanding weather becomes an integral part of the stories. Concluding with the influence of modern civilization on the changing climate and its world-altering consequences, the author challenges the reader to take action now to alter the effects of global warming on future generations.

Matthys Levy is author or co-author of several best-selling books, including Why Buildings Fall Down and Why the Earth Quakes. He is a founding principal and chairman emeritus of Weidlinger Associates, Consulting Engineers. Among other distinctions, he has designed numerous major buildings (Javits Center in NY,, the World Bank HQ in Washington, DC, the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, to name a few). He is a scientist with a knack for storytelling, and uses that skill to help others understand the science that affects all of our lives.