Ron Hester – författare

World trade in agriculture is an emotive subject that often provokes heated debate. Titles in this set examine sustainability, environmental impact and security and will be essential reading for anyone concerned with agricultural issues whether as a scientist, policy maker, student or member of the general public.Environmental Impacts of Modern Agriculture (2012, ISBN 9781849733854)Modern agriculture must seek to feed the world's growing population with little or no cost to the Environment. Modern agriculture is capable of producing greater yields than ever before, but intensification of agriculture does come at a price. This comprehensive volume examines the environmental impact made by agriculture in the 21st Century, looking forward to the future with the lessons of the past. Soils and Food Security (2012, ISBN 9781849734264)This book examines the current status of soils across the globe and their potential for food production to meet the needs of the World's population in the 21st Century. Threats, such as the degradation, pollution and erosion of soil are discussed, along with the possible consequences of climate change for soil and food production. As an ecosystem service, soil also serves to capture nutrients and sequester carbon, and these issues are discussed in the context of adding value to soil protection. The influence of modern agricultural techniques in enhancing soil productivity is also discussed. Throughout the book case studies support the discussion. Sustainability in Agriculture (2005, ISBN 9780854042012)World trade in agriculture, with its massive subsidies, restrictive barriers, international collaboration and competition, and the livelihoods of millions of farmers worldwide at stake, is an emotive subject that often provokes heated debate. Sustainability in Agriculture presents an authoritative and balanced overview of many of the key factors that impact upon world agricultural practices. The aim is to throw light on the subject and so generate informed and rational discussion of the topics which so often generate powerful emotions. Agricultural Chemicals and the Environment (1996, ISBN 9780854042203)Enormous increases in agricultural productivity can properly be associated with the use of chemicals. This statement applies equally to crop production through the use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, as to livestock production and the associated use of drugs, steroids and other growth accelerators. There is, however a dark side to this picture and it is important to balance the benefits which flow from the use of agricultural chemicals against their environmental impacts which sometimes are seriously disadvantageous.  This is a print only set.

Waste has always been an issue for mankind, and the approaches to dealing with waste have their own environmental consequences. Today waste is seen as potential resource, especially for the recovery of rare earth elements.Waste as a Resource (2013, ISBN 978-1-84973-668-8)This volume examines the potential resource available from several waste streams, both domestic and industrial. Opportunities for exploiting waste are discussed, along with their environmental and economic considerations. Landfill remains an unavoidable solution in some circumstances, and the current situation regarding this is also presented. Other chapters focus on mine waste, the recovery of fertilisers, and the growing potential for compost.Electronic Waste Management (2008, ISBN 978-0-85404-112-1)Electronic waste contains toxic and carcinogenic compounds, which can pose a risk to the environment. However, if handled correctly, electronic waste presents a valuable source of secondary raw materials. The European Union has implemented the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment directive (WEEE Directive) to tackle this growing problem. This book discusses the directive and examines current legislation in the USA and other parts of the world.Environmental and Health Impact of Solid Waste Management Activities (2002, ISBN 978-0-85404-285-2)This book, written by international experts, discusses the various waste disposal options that are available (landfill, incineration, composting, recycling) and then reviews their impact on the environment, and particularly on human health. Comprehensive and highly topical, Environmental and Health Impact of Solid Waste Management Activities will make a strong contribution to scientific knowledge in the area, and will be of value to scientists and policy-makers in particular.Waste Treatment and Disposal (1995, ISBN 978-0-85404-210-4)Waste Treatment and Disposal examines the environmental impact of sewage and industrial effluent treatment on inland and coastal waters, in the atmosphere and on land. It also looks into current practice in the design, engineering, operation and control of landfill sites, and the effect of changes in regulatory policy. A wide range of waste management practices result in atmospheric discharges and this book reviews the localized impacts and mitigation of the discharge and the regulatory framework within which waste management has to operate. This is a print only set.

Understanding the ecology of an environment presents the “bigger picture”, showing the interactions of energy and life and its surroundings against human involvement. Titles in this set reflect on-going and recent ideas today.Marine Pollution and Human Health (2011, ISBN 9781849732406)Over two-thirds of the earth is covered in water, and the consequences of polluted marine ecosystems on human health cannot be ignored. This latest volume includes chapters from leading marine scientists and discusses pathogens and pollutions in marine ecosystems, along with the impact of toxins released by algal blooms. Looking to the future, the book examines the potential effects of climate change on marine pollution and outlines the challenges facing policy makers.Ecosystem Services (2010, ISBN 9781849730181)As human populations grow, so do the resource demands imposed on ecosystems, and the impacts of anthropogenic use and abuse are becoming ever more apparent. This has led to the development of the concept of ecosystem services, which describes the beneficial functions provided by ecosystems for human society. Ecosystem services are limited, and there is an urgent imperative to evaluate trade-offs between immediate and long-term human needs and to take action to protect biodiversity.Biodiversity under Threat (2007, 9780854042517)Industrial pollution, changes in agricultural practices and climate change, are all having a direct impact on biodiversity. This excellent text includes the work of some 44 authors and offers a solid description of the current understanding of threats to biodiversity with a range of illustrative examples - a valuable point of reference for ecologists, environmental scientists, and students as well as, policymakers and all other environmental professionals.Chemistry in the Marine Environment (2000, ISBN 9780854042609)Written by international experts in the field, Chemistry in the Marine Environment offers a multidisciplinary and authoritative review of this important topic. Included is a review of the opportunities and challenges in developing new pharmaceuticals from the sea and an examination of contamination and pollution in the marine environment, which is a cause of great concern world-wide. The international perspective of this book will engage the interest and attention of a wide readership.This is a print only set.

Energy generation has made direct and indirect impacts on the environment. Titles in this set examine the environmental issues surrounding this, and how new technologies seek to mitigate these.Nuclear Power and the Environment (2011, ISBN 9781849731942)The pressing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is leading many countries to plan extensive new programmes of construction of nuclear power stations which serves to re-emphasise concerns over environmental impacts. Known issues of nuclear accidents, the legacy of contaminated land and low level waste, and the decommissioning of nuclear sites are considered together with a look at the deep geological disposal of waste and the pathways of radioactive substances in the environment and their implications for human and non-human organisms. Carbon Capture (2009, ISBN 9781847559173)Carbon capture technologies are already playing a role in reducing emissions from large sources such as power stations. Carbon capture could potentially tackle these emissions, either by use of photosynthetic organisms to fix carbon, providing a biomass energy source or by direct capture from the air. Various potential options are available for carbon storage, including geological, mineral and ocean storage. This book describes the current options available and discusses the potential for future strategies.Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Renewable Energy Sources (2003, ISBN 9780854042906)The world's dependence on fossil fuels is widely acknowledged to be a major cause of rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Throughout, the emphasis is on renewable energy sources (wind, wave, solar, biomass, etc), but a discussion of fossil fuels and nuclear power is also presented. This timely book, written by recognised experts, will be welcomed by those in the energy industries as well as by policy-makers, consultants and engineers. Environmental Impact of Power Generation (1999, ISBN 9780854042500)In today's automated world, the need for economic generation of power is of vital importance. The wide-ranging subjects addressed in this book will contribute to the public understanding of science in this important area. Encompassing areas as diverse as current performance standards and the use of nuclear fuel, The emotive issues of air pollution and the ecological effects of overhead power lines are tackled, along with energy efficiency and conservation.This is a print only set.

The impact of chemicals in the environment has driven the development of more benign compounds and the policies controlling them. Titles in this set discuss the impacts, and alternatives, to chemicals in the environment.Chemical Alternatives Assessments (2013, ISBN 9781849736053)Chemicals Alternatives Assessments (CAA) are used around the world to help guide formulators and manufacturers in the selection of less hazardous chemical ingredients. As part of an AA, standardized approaches are applied to screen chemical ingredients for their intrinsic human health and environmental hazards. Ingredients of most concern/highest hazard are flagged as a result of an CAA, and over time, products can be made less hazardous through informed substitution. This book presents the reader with an informed view of the topic from a global pool of experts representing several disciplines.Chemicals in the Environment (2006, ISBN 9780854042067)Rising concern in recent years over the possible adverse environmental consequences of the use of chemicals has led to a steady increase in national activity towards greater regulation, as well as voluntary agreements with manufacturers for risk management of certain products. Highly topical, and with authoritative contributions from international experts, this book covers both the scientific underpinning and the legislative and practical issues of this emotive subject. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (1999, ISBN 978085404255)Long-term environmental effects of chemical exposure have long been of concern. It is thought that low-level exposure to a wide range of chemicals may be affecting endocrine function, leading to a reduction in fertility and an increase in reproductive cancers. With contributions from representatives of the Medical Research Council's Institute for Environment and Health and the US Environmental Protection Agency, the articles provide a comprehensive and detailed review of current issues.Agricultural Chemicals and the Environment (1996, ISBN 9780854042203)Enormous increases in agricultural productivity can properly be associated with the use of chemicals. There is, however a dark side to this picture and it is important to balance the benefits which flow from the use of agricultural chemicals against their environmental impacts which sometimes are seriously disadvantageous.This is a print only set.