Planet Under Stress: The Challenge of Global Change

This study, sponsored by the Royal Society of Canada, forms part of the Canadian global-change programme. After explaining the changes inherent in our planet, it discusses those introduced by humans and examines ways to redirect our course.

"Prepared under the auspices of the prestigious Royal Society of Canada, Planet Under Stress: The Challenge of Global Change arrives at a time when scientists and government officials are badly in need of deepening their perception of the phenomenon of global change . . . . What lifts Planet Under Stress out of the rank and file of scholarly analyses of global change and makes it required reading for scientists, policymakers, and every citizen who wishes to be well informed is its breadth of treatment." --Environment

"No doomsday document, the report conveys a message of hope, tempered by realistic assessment of the dimensions of the task . . . . By skillfully weaving together issues of environment, energy, economics, equity and ethics, the Royal Society of Canada has produced a document that should be required reading by scientists and citizens." --American Scientist

"Top scientists explain the major environmental issues and with the aid of a full-color photo essay, show how the planet is too fragile to take much more punishment . . . . Surprisingly accessible." --Hamilton Spectator

"The finest book to be published on global change thus far." --Tom Malone, environmentalist

"A balanced address to the way the earth system works, an identification of changes produced by anthropogenic activities, and an attempt to provide perspective for assessing other changes that might lie ahead. Everybody will find material of value in the wisdom encapsulated in the pages of this book." --Geotimes

" . . . the authors of these essays present the facts with unusual clarity . . ." --The Los Angeles Times Book Review

"The attractive format contains 16 chapters starting with an illuminating pictorial introduction and ending with an outstanding "Summing it Up" conclusion about the topics covered. The chapters, with supplementary sidebars, highlight virtually every component of planetary stress that has surfaced in recent years. . . .This book provides an array of constructive economic and ethical guidelines that must be incorporated into global management policies by all countries." --Science Books & Films