Human Impact on the Earth / Edition 1

by William B. Meyer

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521558471
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/23/1996
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	7.44(w) x 9.69(h) x 0.55(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. The Earth transformed by human action; 2. Changes in population and society; 3. The land; 4. Biota; 5. Water; 6. Chemical flows; 7. Oceans, atmosphere, climate; 8. Three centuries that shook the Earth; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"...effectively presents the interrelated nature of environmental systems, serving as an accessible introduction to the complex topic of societal impact on the environment." Choice

From the Publisher

A historical account of the impact humans have exerted on the earth's environment from the 17th century to the present, addressing changes in population, attitudes, land, water, and the atmosphere. Meyer (research faculty, Clark U.) bases the contents of this volume on a symposium at Clark University titled, "The Earth as Transformed by Human Action" held in October, 1987, the proceedings of which were published in 1990. His version diverges from the original papers in accessibility, length, and some content. Paper edition (unseen), $24.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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