The most serious environmental problems of the twenty-first century have
the potential to alter the course of life on this planet. Global
warming, toxic waste, water and air pollution, acid rain, and shrinking
energy supplies are frightening challenges that may threaten our future
if we do not face up to them.
Global Environmental Challenges provides important information and gives
us hope about the environment. This book first helps us to grasp these
difficulties, then shows us the choices we can make. How long to leave a
light on, whether to take the car, the train, or bicycle to work,
whether to recycle or throw away, whether to vote to curb continued
suburban sprawl-all of these decisions can make a difference.
This collection of some of the best essays and articles on the
environment comes from a variety of sources, including journals,
magazines, websites of ecological/conservation organizations, and other
publications.
Five major sections investigate the interaction of population growth,
consumption, and environment; the emerging crisis in freshwater around
the globe; global climate and atmosphere (including global warming);
biodiversity loss; and the concept of sustainable development-using
natural resources to place future human development on a sustainable
path. The final section on sustainable development reveals how we can
take action. As individuals, we can make a difference readily and easily
without making huge personal sacrifices. As societies, we can work
together in a global community of interest to sustain the earth.
This valuable resource offers readers a better understanding of our
environmental problems and presents solutions to improving the health of
the planet.
