Some major developments witnessed during the 20th century have greatly impacted human beings as well as the planet Earth—the only known planet to support life. Incalculable harm is being caused to natural habitats, eco-systems and environment by unprecedented growth in population resulting in great rise in consumption; rapid increase in urbanization and industrialisation; dramatic changes in global economic environment; and reckless use of mineral and forest resources, etc. As a result of man’s unsustainable practices, there is an ongoing depletion of our planet’s biological treasures, and a real threat of acceleration in greenhouse effect and global warming. Serious consequences are apprehended because of receding of glaciers. Rapid melting of snow will lead to quick run off of water and submersion of coastal areas and several small islands. Weakening of the great reservoirs of water and the sources of rivers will adversely affect the volume and flow of water. Adverse climate changes anticipated include intensification of tropical cyclones, irregular rainfall patterns, frequent droughts and floods. Global Environment: Problems and Policies is an anthology containing articles by erudite scholars and environmentalists who have analysed the above issues and made valuable suggestions on pertinent aspects like planning and designing of hydrological structures, river basin management, flood control, drought management, urban planning, industrial development and disposal of toxic chemical wastes. The book will be highly useful for students and researchers working in the field of environment. Policymakers, executives and industrialists will also find it useful. The book will create awareness among the readers about the need to adopt sustainable practices, protect natural habitats, preserve biodiversity and re-establish environmental ethics and values.

Table of Contents:
1. Ideology and Politics: Essential Factors in the Path toward Sustainability — John Coates, Terry Leahy 2. Where the Green Is: Examining the Paradox of Environmentally Conscious Consumption — Annie Muldoon 3. The Ecological Explanation for the Environmental Crisis — Ryder W. Miller 4. Pursuing Development and Protecting the Environment: Dilemma of the Developing World — Natalie Persadie, Rajendra Ramlogan 5. Evaluation of Effective Microorganisms (EM) in Solid Waste Management — V. Sekeran, C. Balaji, T. Bhagavathi Pushpa 6. The Social and Ethical Aspects of Nuclear Waste — Alan Marshall 7. Integrated Coastal Resource Management: A Prescription for Sustainable Development — Brian J. English 8. Environment-Economy Trade-offs and Forest Environmentalism — Carl M. Hand, Ginger Macheski 9. Production System Planning for Natural Resource Conservation in a Micro-Watershed — Nallathiga Ramakrishna 10. Arcology and Arcosanti: Towards a Sustainable Built Environment — David Grierson 11. Unheard Voices: Environmental Equity — Rosemarie Russo 12. The Modern History of Energy Conservation: An Overview for Information Professionals — Donald R. Wulfinghoff Contributors