People and the Earth: Basic Issues in the Sustainability of Resources and Environment [Hardcover]

This book discusses the basic components of human interaction with the earth, and speculates on what the future may hold.People and the Earth examines the basic components of our interaction with this planet, including the geologic restrictions on our ability to withdraw resources--food, water, energy, and minerals--from the earth, the effect human activity has on the earth, and the lingering damage caused by natural disasters. This book provides a lucid, scientific discussion of each issue, and speculates on what the future may hold. Written with wit and remarkable insight, and illustrated with numerous case histories, this ideal introductory textbook provides a balanced view of the complex environmental issues facing o ur civilization.People and the Earth examines the basic components of our interaction with this planet, including the geologic restrictions on our ability to withdraw resources--food, water, energy, and minerals--from the earth, the effect human activity has on the earth, and the lingering damage caused by natural disasters. This book provides a lucid, scientific discussion of each issue, and speculates on what the future may hold. Written with wit and remarkable insight, and illustrated with numerous case histories, this ideal introductory textbook provides a balanced view of the complex environmental issues facing o ur civilization.People and the Earth examines the numerous ways in which this planet enhances and limits our lifestyles. Written with wit and remarkable insight, and illustrated with numerous case histories, it provides a balanced view of the complex environmental issues facing our civilization. The authors look at the geologic restrictions on our ability to withdraw resources--food, water, energy, and minerals--from the earth, the effect human activity has on the earth, and the lingering damage caused by natural disasters. People and the Earth examines the basic components of our interaction with this planet, provides a lucid, scienlã6