ABSTRACT

An Introduction to Global Environmental Issues presents a comprehensive stimulating introduction to the key environmental issues presently threatening our global environment. Offering an authoritative introduction to the key topics, a source of latest environmental information, and an innovative stimulus for debate, this is an essential book for all those studying or concerned with global environmental issues.
In this second edition, the most topical global environmental issues are brought more clearly into focus. Explanations of the evolution of the earth's natural systems (hydrosphere, biosphere, geosphere, ecosphere) provide the essential understanding of the scientific concepts, processes and historical background behind key environmental issues. Contemporary socio-economic, cultural and political considerations are explored and important conceptual approaches such as Gaian hypotheses and Chaos Theory are introduced. Human impact and management of the natural environment, and concerns for maintaining biodiversity are emphasised throughout.
Specific features include:
* Case studies drawn from across the world
* Superb illustrations: 4-colour plate sections; a wealth of informative diagrams
* Glossary of key terms, with key concepts highlighted throughout the text
* Annotated guides to Further Reading
* Chapter summaries and key points
A new Instructors' Manual is available to accompany the text

chapter |2 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|12 pages

Introducing Earth

chapter 2|12 pages

Climate change and past climates

chapter 3|12 pages

Global atmospheric change

chapter 4|8 pages

Acidic deposition

chapter 5|9 pages

Water resources and pollution

chapter 6|7 pages

Nuclear issues

chapter 7|9 pages

Energy

chapter 8|11 pages

Natural hazards

chapter 9|10 pages

Human impact on the Earth's surface

chapter 10|11 pages

Managing the Earth

chapter 11|3 pages

Alternative assessments and assignments