Energy, Resources and Environment

Evaluates the sustainability of current energy and mineral use, in terms of resource availability, the environmental impacts of extraction, processing and disposal of the emergence of political pressure groups and parties opposed to current practices. Minerals and energy are dealt with together through three stages. First, overall patterns of supply and demand are outlined. Then the impacts of current practices, from the local impacts of mining, through the regional and sometimes international impacts of processing and dumping with their effects on air pollution and on water bodies. Finally, proposals for amelioration are examined, ranging from land reclamation, controls on emissions and waste management to alternative energy and mineral recycling. Analysis of environmental politics shows some movement from scattered reaction against particularly offensive parts of energy or mineral cycles, through, more systematic green parties in some countries and towards increasing international recognition of a need for new policies.