The book investigates the scientific consensus on climate change as understood in 2001. This volume synthesizes the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Third Assessment Report, focusing on the physical science basis of climate change. It details observed changes in the climate system, presents models of future climate, and discusses the uncertainties inherent in these projections. The work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of scientific knowledge at the turn of the millennium.

The IPCC Third Assessment Report, of which this volume is a part, represented a significant consolidation of scientific understanding regarding climate change. It was widely regarded by the scientific community as the most authoritative assessment of its kind at the time, providing a crucial baseline for policy discussions. The report's findings were instrumental in shaping international climate negotiations and informing subsequent research. Its detailed scientific basis and consensus-driven approach established it as a landmark publication in climate science.