Author Description

From Library Journal The third edition of this environmental atlas states that its purpose is to show the effect the human species has on nature rather than how nature effects humanity. Using tables and graphs to illustrate this theme, the work describes the state of the world's forests, wetlands, deserts, croplands, rivers, and seas. Each chapter is introduced by a brief narrative that chronicles the loss of the natural resource. By emphasizing conservation, the editors offer means of reversing these conditions. Attractive, clearly rendered color maps, graphs, tables, and charts make the data easy for the lay reader to understand and interpret. The information was obtained from the United Nations, World Bank, World Resources Institute, and World Wildlife Fund. Broader in scope than the Atlas of United States Environmental Issues (LJ 5/15/91), this excellent reference is accessible to those with no scientific background. Recommended for all libraries.Eva Lautemann, DeKalb Coll. Lib., Clarkston, Ga.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. Product description Book by Lean, Geoffrey From Booklist Last published in 1990 by Prentice Hall, this atlas aims "to be accessible to those with no previous background in the subject, while providing enough new information to be useful to the expert." This new edition reflects changes since the Earth Summit in 1992 and Agenda 21. Subjects range across the broad spectrum of environmental issues: demographics; social issues, including literacy rates and educational attainment; land issues, such as forests, wetlands, deserts, and rivers; pollution; wildlife; energy, especially nuclear and fossil fuels; food production; development; disasters; and much more.Each chapter consists of a subject essay covering current problems, economic factors, projections, and possible solutions. In the middle of each essay is a two-page spread with graphics illustrating the points made. There are more than 200 impressive d