Human Impact on the Earth

Description

At a level accessible to the educated lay reader, this book describes the changes human activities have produced in the global environment from 300 years ago to the present day. It offers a comprehensive and authoritative inventory of human impact in its varied forms on the oceans, atmosphere, and climate--ranging from long-standing alterations to new and surprising ones that have emerged in recent years, from environmental disasters to success stories of environmental management, and false alarms. This balanced, nonpolemical survey will interest all those concerned about the environment and the likely fate of the planet.

'The book provides a very easy read, covering most of the main environmental issues that face humankind ... Unlike many other environmental texts, it uses abundant quotations which make interesting reading ... the book would be ideal as an introductory read for students who wish to embark on a degree in environmental science or for educated lay readers who have an interest in environmental issues. I will certainly recommend it to our prospective students as a book to read in the summer before joining one of our degree programmes ... a very enjoyable and interesting read.' Lewis A. Owen, The Holocene '... very readable and well presented.' Sheila Alderman, OUGS Journal 'To the general reader concerned about the environment or willing to achieve a better understanding of the human dimensions of global change, I recommend reading this book.' Pure and Applied Geophysics