'The book provides a very easy read, covering most of the main environmental issues that face humankind … Unlike many other environmental texts, it uses abundant quotations which make interesting reading … the book would be ideal as an introductory read for students who wish to embark on a degree in environmental science or for educated lay readers who have an interest in environmental issues. I will certainly recommend it to our prospective students as a book to read in the summer before joining one of our degree programmes … a very enjoyable and interesting read.' Lewis A. Owen, The Holocene

• Preface; 1. The Earth transformed by human action; 2. Changes in population and society; 3. The land; 4. Biota; 5. Water; 6. Chemical flows; 7. Oceans, atmosphere, climate; 8. Three centuries that shook the Earth; References; Index.

'The book provides a very easy read, covering most of the main environmental issues that face humankind … Unlike many other environmental texts, it uses abundant quotations which make interesting reading … the book would be ideal as an introductory read for students who wish to embark on a degree in environmental science or for educated lay readers who have an interest in environmental issues. I will certainly recommend it to our prospective students as a book to read in the summer before joining one of our degree programmes … a very enjoyable and interesting read.' Lewis A. Owen, The Holocene

• Preface; 1. The Earth transformed by human action; 2. Changes in population and society; 3. The land; 4. Biota; 5. Water; 6. Chemical flows; 7. Oceans, atmosphere, climate; 8. Three centuries that shook the Earth; References; Index.

'The book provides a very easy read, covering most of the main environmental issues that face humankind … Unlike many other environmental texts, it uses abundant quotations which make interesting reading … the book would be ideal as an introductory read for students who wish to embark on a degree in environmental science or for educated lay readers who have an interest in environmental issues. I will certainly recommend it to our prospective students as a book to read in the summer before joining one of our degree programmes … a very enjoyable and interesting read.' Lewis A. Owen, The Holocene

• Preface; 1. The Earth transformed by human action; 2. Changes in population and society; 3. The land; 4. Biota; 5. Water; 6. Chemical flows; 7. Oceans, atmosphere, climate; 8. Three centuries that shook the Earth; References; Index.