The State Of The Environment Atlas

Providing international comparative coverage of the ozone layer, pollution, air quality, cities, agriculture and many other environmental issues of major and international concern, this atlas includes information on hunger and malnutrition, the increasing rate of urbanization and energy consumption, ozone loss, acid rain, global warming and the destruction of rain forests.

In 37 full-colour international maps, The State of the Earth examines the health of the planet and the quality of human life. It illustrates all the critical issues - global warming, holes in the ozone layer, rainforest destruction, the loss of wildlife, pollution of every sort. It identifies the effects of industrial and urban expansion, changing methods of agriculture and ever-increasing demands for energy. It measures our ability to meet basic human needs while protecting other forms of life. As the Chernobyl nuclear accident proved so dramatically in 1986, environmental problems do not stop at state boundaries. The State of the Earth reflects world wide public concern for our environment and considers the need for more effective international organizations and agreements. With facts on a broad range of topics - from air quality and acid rain to toxic waste and tourism - this book should be a comprehensive source of reference.

Maps and text provide a look at the history and current state of the earth's environment and resources.

The concept of 'sustainable development' was first introduced at the time of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, where over 170 heads of state signed a plan of action for the 21st century - Agenda 21. Agenda 21 sets out a proposal for sustainable development that combines several goals: preservation of the environment, social equity and economic efficiency, aiming to ensure the well-being of the world's people without compromising the future of generations to come. This Atlas proposed an unprecedented 'reading' of the global situation, supported by socio-economic, geopolitical and environmental data. Topics including access to education, the gulf between living standards in the North and the South, women's civil rights, climate change and international solidarity are presented along with a series of fully updated 30 information sheets and 40 full-colour maps. 'World Atlas of Sustainable Development' is a unique and valuable tool for individuals and organizations interested in development, whether they work in businesses, administration, local authorities, associations or education, as it is designed to be concise, accessible and objective.

Review: This volume discusses and illustrates the effects of the world's population on natural resources, land use, atmosphere, chemicals, wastes, ecosystems, and biodiversity. It is filled with high-quality maps, charts, and informative illustrations."--"Outstanding Reference Sources," American Libraries, May 2002