ABSTRACT

This book presents an earth science-based overview of the challenges to sustainability. It provides a detailed study of climate change, as well as energy, food, and water security across different regions. The author uncovers the problems caused by current social and environmental practices, and offers potential solutions. Focusing on systems theory, footprint analysis, risk, and resilience, many examples are given of how to use resources sustainably, especially common pool resources such as the atmosphere, oceans, and groundwater. The book develops its ideas from an array of practical case studies, centering on communal objectives and shared responsibilities.

chapter 1|6 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|10 pages

Sustainability and Human Well-Being

chapter 3|24 pages

The Environmental ImPACT

chapter 4|26 pages

Risk, Resilience, and System Dynamics

chapter 6|20 pages

Nonrenewable Resources: Oil and Minerals

chapter 7|14 pages

Global Climate Change

chapter 8|22 pages

Responses to Global Climate Change

chapter 9|18 pages

Nonrenewable Energy Sources

chapter 10|16 pages

Renewable Energy Sources

chapter 11|22 pages

Sustainable Energy Plans

chapter 12|20 pages

Water

chapter 13|26 pages

Food

chapter 14|20 pages

Waste and Pollution

chapter 15|16 pages

The Biosphere

chapter 16|16 pages

The Future