An Introduction to Global Environmental Issues
2nd Edition
Published in July 1997
Book
Hardback
576 pages
978-0-415-14098-0 (ISBN)
Description
An Introduction to Global Environmental Issues presents a comprehensive and 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.
Major global environmental issues are brought into focus. Explanations of the evolution of the earth's natural systems (hydrosphere, biosphere, geosphere, ecosphere) provide an essential understanding of the scientific concepts, processes and historical background to 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 Lecturers' Manual is available to accompany the text
This 2nd Edition has been extensively revised and expanded to include many new illustrations, up-to-date data (including the latest IPCC data) and the most recent events including Khobe earthquake, French nuclear testing, the Berlin conference and the Antarctic Treaty. Sections on ecosystems, techniques, pollution, tectonics, risk and hazard mitigation, world populations, and issues of human impact and environmental management, have been particularly expanded in this new edition.
Major global environmental issues are brought into focus. Explanations of the evolution of the earth's natural systems (hydrosphere, biosphere, geosphere, ecosphere) provide an essential understanding of the scientific concepts, processes and historical background to 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 Lecturers' Manual is available to accompany the text
This 2nd Edition has been extensively revised and expanded to include many new illustrations, up-to-date data (including the latest IPCC data) and the most recent events including Khobe earthquake, French nuclear testing, the Berlin conference and the Antarctic Treaty. Sections on ecosystems, techniques, pollution, tectonics, risk and hazard mitigation, world populations, and issues of human impact and environmental management, have been particularly expanded in this new edition.
Reviews / Votes
'At last a text on issues packed with scientific data, that is backed by a comprehensive bibliography and is bang up-to-date. Bold type and key points are the icing on an already reader-friendly text' - D Harding, Wolverhampton'The aim, pitch and content of GEI is not matched in terms of content and beradth of subject matter by any other introductory text in this field. The pitch of the writing is spot on for introductory students' - L. Dumayne, University of Birmingham
'An extremely well illustrated and well written text book, that covers all of the fundamental aspects of environmental issues that are required in my courses.' - Mike Whatley, Leicester
'Clear, easy to read, with great diagrams and photographs' - L. Mansfield, Otley Agricultural College
'Beautifully produced. An invaluable guide for social science students needing to understand the importance of global environmental issues. - Dr Dodds, Edinburgh
'Good coverage of subject, well structured with splendid illustrations' - David Rice, Dundee
'It is well written, clearly illustrated and presents environmental principles in a simple but up-to-date manner - Professor Kelling, Keele
'Excellent coverage and very accessible' - John Soussan, Leeds
'This is probably one of the most useful texts for students new to Environmental Issues ... there are no real weaknesses' - Richard Blanchard, Suffolk
'A much needed source book for Science and Geography teachers' - C.R. Dulton, Bath
'Clearly set out. Covers issues comprehensively yet in a manner that is easy to understand. Excellent photographic and diagramatic examples. Well organised and attractively presented' - Dr Fiona Tweed, Staffordshire
'Each subject is introduced in a clear and readable way that assumes little prior knowledge on the part of the student. The text is well supported by excellent illustrations.' - Dr Elliott, Warwick
'This is a timely, up-to-date scientific introduction to a range of important global environmental issues' - Dr Pringle, Lancaster
"The contents appear to cover every topic and issue that I could think of...excellent value...should be in every secondary school and college library" Environmental Education Spring 1998
More details
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 276 mm
Width: 219 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-415-14098-0 (9780415140980)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Kevin Pickering is Reader in Geology at University College London. Lewis A. Owen is Lecturer in Geology and Geography at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Content
Chapter 1. Introducing Earth. Chapter 2. Climate changes and past climates. Chapter 3. Global atmospheric change. Chapter 4. Acidic deposition. Chapter 5. Water resources and pollution. Chapter 6. Nuclear issues. Chapter 7. Energy. Chapter 8. Natural Hazards. Chapter 9. Human impact on the Earth's surface and oceans. Chapter 10. Managing the Earth