It has been estimated that more than 30% of the global land surface is subject to a considerable frequency of vegetation fires (Chuvieco et al., 2008). Li et al. (2013, 2014) argues that fire is an important Earth system process and a primary terrestrial ecosystem disturbance agent on a global scale which depends on an array of attributes, including vegetation characteristics, climate, and human activities, and fire generates feedback by affecting biogeochemical cycles, vegetation composition and structure, landatmosphere water and heat exchanges, atmospheric chemistry and composition, and human health and property. Although wildland fires are characteristic of certain regions and seasons, vegetation fires occur with varying regularity and severity across almost every biome on Earth (Archibald et al., 2013). Earth's forests and vegetation provide a vast source of fuel, and fires consume huge quantities of biomass in all ecosystems ranging across all biomes, from tundra to savanna and from boreal to tropical forests, where many of our ecosystems are considered fire dependent (Belcher, 2013). It is both friend and foe to the human race, having strongly influenced our social development and success as a species, but also acts as a serious threat to human life (Belcher, 2013). The present book outlines different perspectives regarding wildland fires, mega fires, wildland-urban interfaces, and its ecosystem impacts. It also presents different case-studies from eight countries (Portugal, Spain, Greece, Israel, Algeria, Russia, Lithuania and Chile), including valuable contributions that reflect its title: "Wildland Fires - A Worldwide Reality".

Mountain areas constitute exceptionally rich environments characterised by an extremely high biodiversity, high geomorphological dynamics, peculiar climatic environments and an important reserve of natural resources (hydrological, geological). But these areas are also characterised by specific cultural aspects and varied forms of territory exploitation and occupation. The highest mountain areas were once considered repulsive areas, until they began to attract scientists (mainly geographers) in the 19th and 20th centuries. The gradual occupation of these areas with different economical activities during this period started to slow down between the 1960's-980's, when mountains suffered a gradual abandonment. In the 1990's, a movement of appropriation over these mountain spaces occurred, promoted mainly by urban societies, in search of new spaces for sport, leisure and tourism. This modification of uses, a key process for revitalisation of economically depressed areas, posed some issues, however, in terms of the preservation and management of environmental resources. Although mountain areas are important to local and regional societies, they play a crucial role in the global economy and the environment. They are a source of energy, water, food and other natural resources for both local and distant populations. Therefore, the protection and preservation of mountains is an issue that belongs to all mankind and forces the development of a globally sustainable strategy. The present book intends to outline different perspectives regarding the geology, topography and environmental issues of mountains, including 13 valuable contributions that reflect its title.

Portugal is a state of southern Europe, with Lisbon, the nation's largest city, as its capital. The mainland is located in the extreme south-west of the Iberian Peninsula bordering the north and east with Spain, and to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean. The Portuguese territory also encompasses two autonomous regions: the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean. One of the oldest nations in Europe, Portugal has changed immensely over the past 40 years. The revolution of 1974, which established democracy, the decolonization, the negotiation and finally accession to the European Union and, most recently, the adoption of the Euro, have profoundly marked the past four decades and changed the entire structure of the country. This book outlines the present Portuguese economic, political and social issues of the new millennium.