The Global Casino : An Introduction to Environmental Issues

The Global Casino is an introduction to environment issues which deals both with the working of the physical environment and the political, economic and social frameworks in which the issues occur. Using examples from all over the world, the book highlights the underlying causes behind environmental problems, the human actions which have made them issues, and the hopes for solutions. It is a book about the human impact on the environment and the ways in which the natural environment impacts society.

Eighteen chapters on key issues follow two initial chapters which outline the background contexts to the physical and human environments, and the book finishes with a chapter on conservation and sustainable development. The organization of the book therefore allows it to be read in its entirety or dipped into for any particular topic, since each chapter stands on its own. Each chapter sets the issue within an historical context, outlines why the issue has arisen, highlights areas of controversy and uncertainty, and appraises how problems begin and can be resolved both technically and in political and economic frameworks. Each chapter is followed by a critical guide to further reading on the subject, and the text is supported by a glossary of key terms.

Deals with the workings of the physical environment and the political, economic and social structures in which environmental issues occur. Using examples from all over the world, the author highlights the underlying cause behind our planet's problems, the human actions that have made them issues and the hopes for solutions. Coverage includes acid rain, climate change, deforestation, threatened species, waste management and warfare. Features over 200 figures, photographs and tables.