This book presents an earth science-based overview of the challenges to sustainability. It provides a detailed study of climate change, as well as energy, food, and water security across different regions. The author uncovers the problems caused by current social and environmental practices, and offers potential solutions. Focusing on systems theory, footprint analysis, risk, and resilience, many examples are given of how to use resources sustainably, especially common pool resources such as the atmosphere, oceans, and groundwater. The book develops its ideas from an array of practical case studies, centering on communal objectives and shared responsibilities.
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Examines the sustainable use of natural resources, such as energy, food, water, air, groundwater, and more
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Illustrates how efforts to achieve sustainability succeed or fail
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Explains how footprint analysis can be used to quantify the environmental impacts of resource use
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Provides a thorough analysis of controversial issues such as global climate change
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Focuses on sustainable resource use, systems theory, and resilience
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Includes numerous, practical case studies throughout
Preface
Chapter 1 : Introduction
Chapter 2 : Sustainability and Human Well-Being
Chapter 3 : The Environmental ImPACT
Chapter 4 : Risk, Resilience, and System Dynamics
Chapter 5 : Sustainable Development : How to Avoid Collapse and Build a Better Society
Chapter 6 : Nonrenewable Resources : Oil and Minerals
Chapter 7 : Global Climate Change
Chapter 8 : Responses to Global Climate Change
Chapter 9 : Nonrenewable Energy Sources
Chapter 10 : Renewable Energy Sources
Chapter 11 : Sustainable Energy Plans
Chapter 12 : Water
Chapter 13 : Food
Chapter 14 : Waste and Pollution
Chapter 15 : The Biosphere
Chapter 16 : The Future
Index
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