Mountains: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) - Softcover

Price, Martin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199695881 ISBN 13: 9780199695881

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2015

Synopsis

Mountains cover a quarter of the Earth's land surface and are home to about 12 percent of the global population. They are the sources of all the world's major rivers, affect regional weather patterns, provide centres of biological and cultural diversity, hold deposits of minerals, and provide both active and contemplative recreation. Yet mountains are also significantly affected by climate change; as melting and retreating glaciers show. Given the manifold goods and services which mountains provide to the world, such changes are of global importance.

In this Very Short Introduction, Martin Price outlines why mountains matter at the global level, and addresses the existing and likely impacts of climate change on mountain, hydrological and ecological systems. Considering the risks associated with the increasing frequency of extreme events and 'natural hazards' caused by climate change, he discusses the implications for both mountain societies and wider populations, and concludes by emphasizing the need for greater cooperation in order to adapt to climate change in our increasingly globalized world.

ABOUT THE SERIES:
The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

About this title

About the Author

Martin Price holds the Unesco Chair for Sustainable Mountain Development at the University of Highlands and Islands at Perth, where he is also Director of the Centre for Mountain Studies. He has been involved in various international initiatives for the conservation of mountain regions. He is recognized as an international authority on the subject, and author of a number of research papers and reports.

Review

conveys a vivid impression of the many ways in which mountains are important to us. * Network Reviews * Even if your interest in mountains stops short at the Cheviot, you should find food for thought in these pages. * Mike Merchant, Scottish Mountaineer * The text is packed with information and details on mountains and gives an easy-to-read insight into many facts about mountains and people's interaction with them. It is highly recommended for anybody interested and its small light-weight format allows taking it along to read at the top of a mountain. * eco.mont * this as a suitable text for pre-A level or undergraduate reading lists, or for anyone with a wider interest in mountains. * Jane Terry, Geography * neat little book, perfect for carrying in a pocket or in hand luggage ... I would certainly recommend

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0199695881
• ISBN 13: 9780199695881
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 160