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Books > Earth & environment > The environment > Pollution & threats to the environment > General
This book focuses on the linkage between human and environmental security and takes both a conceptual and a pragmatic approach to complex environmental issues (such as soil erosion, desertification, water degradation, demographic shifts, food security and agricultural prospects, urbanization trends, hazard-induced migrations) that affect human security. The book is the direct outcome of a NATO Advanced Research Workshop (ARW), sponsored by the Science for Peace and Security Programme (SPS), Salve Regina University, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The book summarizes the collective work of both natural and social science disciplines in regard to how best address, mitigate, adapt, or achieve resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. The book is written in an accessible style to discuss the concept of security from both subjective and objective perspectives. Specifically it uses separate approaches beginning with conceptual methods to understanding the intersections of risk, uncertainty, and environmental challengesa "as well as the challenges to measuring human security and is followed by region-specific challenges for environmental and human security in North Africa, the Balkans, and the Middle East. Additionally, case studies are included which relate to human security, and which range from examinations of urban challenges, security and sustainability, lost opportunities for human security, and environmental justice and health disparities. Lastly, the book concludes with means and methods to recognize and act on security hazard impacts, offering case examples and innovative approachesfrom sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia and then finishes by offering pathways to the futurea "including recommendations for both future research and policy action.
This book provides an authoritative overview of emerging pollutants in sewage sludge and soils. It traces the latest research and new trends on the characterization, removal and treatment of such pollutants in urban and industrial sewage sludge and soils. The book covers topics such as antibiotic resistance, fate and environmental impact of contaminants of emerging concern, environmental transmission of human pathogenic viruses and their effect on soil, and the repercussion of various emerging pollutants on biodiversity. It also offers a case study of the epidemiology-based surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and sludge. The book appeals not only to researchers and professionals working with emerging contaminants, but also to policy makers and a broader audience interested in learning more about the effects of these contaminants in human and environmental health.
Environmental Radioactivity from Natural, Industrial, and Military
Sources is the comprehensive source of information on radiation in
the environment and human exposure to radioactivity. This Fourth
Edition isa complete revision and extension of the classic work,
reflecting major new developments and concerns as the Cold War
ended, nuclear weapons began to be dismantled, and cleanup of the
nuclear weapons facilities assumed center stage. Contamination from
accidents involving weapons, reactors, and radionuclide sources are
discussed in an updated chapter, including the latest information
about the effects of the Chernobyl accident. Important revisions
are also made to the chapters on natural radioactivity, nuclear
fuels and power reactors, radioactive waste management, and various
other sources of exposure. Several chapters provide primers for
readers who may not be familiar with the fundamentals of radiation
biology, protection standards, and pathways for the environmental
transport of radionuclides. An Appendix lists the properties of the
more important radionuclides found in the environment. The book
concludes with a commentary on contemporary social aspects of
radiation exposure and risks that offers analternative view to
current, often excessive concerns over radiation, nuclear
technology, and waste.
Modern civilization faces a broad spectrum of daunting problems, but rational solutions are available for them all. This book explores the following issues: (1) Threats to the environment and climate change; (2) a growing population and vanishing resources; (3) the global food and refugee crisis; (4) intolerable economic inequality; (5) the threat of nuclear war; (6) the military-industrial complex; and (7) limits to growth. These problems are closely interlinked, and their possible solutions are discussed in this book.
As China strives to significantly increase its economic output, the nation faces an acute deterioration of the physical resources from which this prodigious growth springs. Major problems include water shortages, the pollution of water, high levels of carcinogens in the air, accelerating erosion, and industrial pollution. Originally published in 1984, Vaclav Smil documents and evaluates China's environmental crisis. This title will be of particular interest for students of Environmental Studies and Development Studies.
This book adds to the environmental politics and policy literature by conducting a comprehensive investigation of business influence in agenda building and environmental policymaking in the United States over time. As part of this investigation, the author presents an analysis of six cases in which private firms were involved in disputes concerning pollution control and natural resource management. In addition to determining how much business interests influence environmental and natural resource policy, the book tests possible explanations for their level of success in shaping the government's agenda and policy. The study offers a general conceptual framework for analyzing the influence of corporate America over environmental policymaking. The research then explores how much firms have influenced Congress, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and certain natural resource agencies, and the courts on environmental and natural issues since the beginning of the environmental movement in 1970. No other study has examined the ability of business to influence environmental policy in all three branches of government and in such detail.
This book adds to the environmental politics and policy literature by conducting a comprehensive investigation of business influence in agenda building and environmental policymaking in the United States over time. As part of this investigation, the author presents an analysis of six cases in which private firms were involved in disputes concerning pollution control and natural resource management. In addition to determining how much business interests influence environmental and natural resource policy, the book tests possible explanations for their level of success in shaping the government's agenda and policy. The study offers a general conceptual framework for analyzing the influence of corporate America over environmental policymaking. The research then explores how much firms have influenced Congress, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and certain natural resource agencies, and the courts on environmental and natural issues since the beginning of the environmental movement in 1970. No other study has examined the ability of business to influence environmental policy in all three branches of government and in such detail.
Revised, expanded, and updated, this second edition of Statistics for Environmental Science and Management is that rare animal, a resource that works well as a text for graduate courses and a reference for appropriate statistical approaches to specific environmental problems. It is uncommon to find so many important environmental topics covered in one book. Its strength is author Bryan Manly's ability to take a non-mathematical approach while keeping essential mathematical concepts intact. He clearly explains statistics without dwelling on heavy mathematical development. The book begins by describing the important role statistics play in environmental science. It focuses on how to collect data, highlighting the importance of sampling and experimental design in conducting rigorous science. It presents a variety of key topics specifically related to environmental science such as monitoring, impact assessment, risk assessment, correlated and censored data analysis, to name just a few. Revised, updated or expanded material on:
There are numerous books on environmental statistics; however, while some focus on multivariate methods and others on the basic components of probability distributions and how they can be used for modeling phenomenon, most do not include the material on sampling and experimental design that this one does. It is the variety of coverage, not sacrificing too much depth for breadth, that sets this book apart.
This volume presents the work carried out by eight working groups at a meeting held in Bad Harzburg, Germany, in March 1993, to develop an assessment of the present and likely future carbon fluxes associated with the major components of the Earth's terrestrial biosphere. Major topics considered were: global carbon cycle; boreal forests and tundra; temperate forests; tropical forests; grasslands, savannas and deserts; land and water interface zones; agroecosystems; and biomass management.
Surveys the state-of-the-art in the toxicology of important aquatic pollutants. Evaluates new concepts, methods, and data, and provides an overview of key research results. Topics covered range from the principles of aquatic toxicology and the development of water quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic resources, to the environmental effects of monitoring and future trends in water quality management. Emphasized is the importance of the linkages between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems to practical and effective environmental effects assessment.
The main focus of this book is the study of environmental dynamics in the Arctic, coupled with ecosystem dynamics. Particular emphasis is placed on problems of the composition of the Arctic atmosphere, including minor gases, aerosols and clouds, as well as changes in the composition due to impacts of human activity. Analysis of observational data and numerical modelling results, which characterize the Arctic basin pollution dynamics, and its impact on ecosystems is also provided. Other topics covered include problems of general circulation in the atmosphere and oceans - beginning with the 1930s when the Arctic was regarded as the kitchen of global weather and climate and concluding with the situation today when modern observational data and numerical modelling make for a more balanced view.
Examines regulatory and other strategies for improving chemical risk management in small enterprises in the European Union. This book considers what supports are necessary to secure the implementation of these strategies and is particularly concerned with the role of chemical product supply as envisaged by REACH.
China's air pollution is infamous. The haze can make it impossible to see buildings across the street, and the pollution forces schools to close and creates health and morbidity problems, in addition to tremendous environmental degradation. However, China also faces another important environmental problem, which is less well-known to the public: that of soil degradation and pollution. This book provides an overview of the problems related to soil degradation and pollution throughout China, examining how and why current policy has fallen short of expectation. It also examines the challenges faced by policy makers as they attempt to adopt sustainable practices alongside a booming and ever-expanding economy. China's Soil Pollution and Degradation Problems utilizes grey literature such as newspaper articles, NGO reports and Chinese government information alongside academic studies in order to provide an extensive review of the challenges faced by grassroots organizations as they tackle environmental policy failings throughout China. This book will be of great interest to students of environmental pollution and contemporary Chinese studies looking for an introduction to the topics of soil pollution and soil degradation, and for researchers looking for an extensive list of sources and analysis of China's environmental problems more broadly.
Economic Policy and Climate Change focuses on the design, implementation and consequences of a feasible system of tradable carbon permits to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the context of the European Union. Economic instruments are considered fundamental in reducing atmospheric pollution, especially carbon dioxide emissions. This important book outlines the design of an achievable system of tradable emission permits in the EU. It considers the distribution of permits, the problem of monitoring and enforcement and the possibility that the system might create a barrier to potential entrants to industry. This is especially important because entry barriers will affect the whole economy and long-term industry dynamics. The analysis then extends to consider the use of tradable permits and taxes in the context of international cooperation on emissions reduction. International agreements are examined within the framework of a second-best, two country model in which governments reduce emissions and raise revenue simultaneously. The author concludes that it is not welfare-maximizing to trade permits between countries if emission limits and side-payments have not first been agreed. This book will be of special interest to environmental economists, environmentalists and policymakers.
Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology attempts to provide concise, critical reviews of timely advances, philosophy and significant areas of accomplished or needed endeavor in the total field of xenobiotics, in any segment of the environment, as well as toxicological implications.
Are the Great Lakes getting better or worse?' This is the question that the public, scientists and managers are asking the International Joint Commission after a quarter-century of cooperative action by the United States and Canadian governments to clean up the Great Lakes. This volume contains papers from the workshop on Environmental Results, hosted in Windsor, Ontario, by the Great Lakes Science Advisory Board of the International Joint Commission, on September 12 and 13, 1996. The Great Lakes have been through almost a century of severe pollution from the manufacture, use and disposal of chemicals. In the 1960s wildlife biologists started to investigate the outbreaks of reproductive failure in fish-eating birds and ranch mink and to link these to exposure to organochlorine compounds. Human health researchers in the 1980s and 1990s linked growth retardation, behavioral anomalies and deficits in cognitive development with maternal consumption of Great Lakes fish prior to pregnancy. The Great Lakes became the laboratory where the theory of endocrine disruptors was first formulated. Now a group of Great Lakes scientists, hosted by the International Joint Commission, has compiled the story of the trends in the concentrations and effects of persistent toxic substances on wildlife and humans. The technical papers review the suitability of various organisms as indicators, and present the results of long-term monitoring of the concentrations and of the incidence of effects. The evidence shows that there was an enormous improvement in the late 1970s, but that in the late 1990s there are still concentrations of some persistent toxic substances that have stubbornly remained at levels thatcontinue to cause toxicological effects.
Global findings estimate that 80 per cent of marine pollution originates from land-based sources and is trans-boundary in nature. These problems persist in spite of a number of legal and policy initiatives taken to protect the marine environment. This volume explores the applications and shortcomings of current international regimes in addressing these issues. The book identifies the sources and effects of land-based marine pollution and analyzes the problems of controlling them. Management principles, policy and regulation are examined at both regional and international level. The author discusses the strengths and weaknesses of existing regimes and advances a more effective international legal framework. The text provides a valuable insight into an important area of international environmental law. It will be of interest to researchers and policy-makers working in this area.
Modern civilization faces a broad spectrum of daunting problems, but rational solutions are available for them all. This book explores the following issues: (1) Threats to the environment and climate change; (2) a growing population and vanishing resources; (3) the global food and refugee crisis; (4) intolerable economic inequality; (5) the threat of nuclear war; (6) the military-industrial complex; and (7) limits to growth. These problems are closely interlinked, and their possible solutions are discussed in this book.
The book reviews existing research on the challenges of voice and silence in organizations. After a major disaster, when investigators are piecing together the story of what happened, a striking fact often emerges: before disaster struck, some people in the organization involved were aware of dangerous conditions that had the potential to escalate to a critical level. But for a variety of reasons, this crucial information did not reach decision-makers. So, the organization moved ever closer to catastrophe, effectively unaware of the possible threat-despite the fact that some of its employees could see it coming. What is the problem with communication about risk in an organization, and why does this problem exist? What stops people in organizations or project teams from freely reporting and discussing critical risks? This book seeks to answer these questions, starting from a deep analysis of 20 disasters where the concealment of risks played a major part. These case studies are drawn from around the world and span a range of industries: civil nuclear power, coal, oil and gas production, hydropower energy, metals and mining, space exploration, transport, finance, retail manufacturing and even the response of governments to wars, famines and epidemics. Together, case studies give an insight into why people hesitate to report risks-and even when they do, why their superiors often prefer to ignore the news. The book reviews existing research on the challenges of voice and silence in organizations. This helps to explain more generally why people dread passing on bad news to others-and why in the workplace they prefer to keep quiet about unpleasant facts or potential risks when they are talking to superiors and colleagues. The discussion section of the book includes important examples of concealment within the Chinese state hierarchy as well as by leading epidemiologists and governments in the West during the novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan in 2019-2020. The full picture of the very early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear, and further research is obviously needed to better understand what motivated some municipal, provincial and national officials in China as well as Western counterparts to obfuscate facts in their internal communications about many issues associated with the outbreak.
Public agencies and industry will probably spend tens of billions of dollars on new water pollution abatement facilities in the next few decades. Added billions will be spent for the operation of new and existing facilities. How can physical science research reduce the cost of achieving objectives? And how can social science research make sure that the right objectives are being efficiently pursued? This title, first published in 1962, is directed to the orientation of the research effort, and the tool used for this purpose is an economic framework. This book will be of interest to students of economics and environmental studies.
The Llobregat belongs to the most thoroughly studied rivers in Europe and is a paradigm of the confluence of human and natural disturbances in a single basin. Because of its location in a very densely populated region and its Mediterranean character, the Llobregat supports a mixture of irregular flow, water abstraction, excess nutrients, mining debris, and a wide array of pollutants. The aquatic organisms strive to survive in a dramatically changing river that passes through a succession of dams, weirs and channels. The long-term river monitoring as well as the research that has been carried out in the river for a long time have provided an extensive knowledge of these disturbances and their effects on the biological communities. This book highlights the available information, with emphasis on the hydrological, chemical and biological elements interspersed in the river. Experts in the field discuss the main nutrient patterns and pollutant occurrence and the responses of the biological quality elements as well as the river ecosystem to the overall natural and man-made influences.
In the 21st century, environmental harm is an ever-present reality of our globalised world. Over the last 20 years, criminologists, working alongside a range of other disciplines from the social and physical sciences, have made great strides in their understanding of how different institutions in society, and criminal justice systems in particular - respond - or fail to respond - to the harm imposed on ecosystems and their human and non-human components. Such research has crystallised into the rapidly evolving field of green criminology. This pioneering volume, with contributions from leading experts along with younger scholars, represents the state of the art in criminologists' pursuit of understanding in the environmental sphere while at the same time challenging academics, lawmakers and policy developers to explore new directions in the study of environmental harm.
Venomous Earth is the compelling story of the worst chemical
disaster in human history - unfolding now. It explores the geology,
politics and biology of why tens thousands of people are dying,
hundreds of thousands developing cancer and tens of millions of
people are at risk in Bangladesh, India and beyond, from
arsenic-contaminated well water.
Environmental degradation in the Aral Sea basin in Central Asia has been a touchstone for increasing public awareness of environmental issues. The Aral crisis has been touted as a "quiet Chernobyl" and as one of the worst human-made environmental catastrophes of the twentieth century. This multidisciplinary book is the first to comprehensively describe the slow onset of low grade but incremental changes (i.e., creeping environmental change) that affected the region and its peoples. Through a set of case studies, it describes how the region's decision-makers allowed these changes to grow into an environmental and societal nightmare. It outlines many lessons to be learned for other areas undergoing detrimental creeping environmental change, and provides an important example of how to approach such disasters for students and researchers of environmental studies, global change, political science and history. |
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