Introduction

Abstract

This introductory chapter gives an overview of themes, challenges and aims of the volume. It argues that the positivist disciplines are ill suited to meeting the challenges of climate change and that the humanities are better placed to intervene in these debates, as they require a philosophical, moral and historical understanding. A short introduction on the scientific debate is followed by a definition of the role of the humanities. The chapter closes with descriptions of the chapters in the volume with indications of the links between them and an explanation for the way the volume has been structured.