Global warming, ozone depletion, drought, acid rain - their causes are viewed as extraordinarily complex; their effects are assumed catastrophic. Exploring Environmental Issues provides a key to understanding our potential crisis. The concise, introductory text presents a review of current environmental issues using a geographical approach that stresses the interrelationships between environment and societies. Environmental concerns are seldom new. The text begins by placing the issues and approaches in a historical framework. The major physical and societal concerns are then considered to provide a base for understanding the nature and development of current environmental concerns. The causes, characteristics, and impacts of individual problems such as global warming, drought and atmospheric pollution are all explored. The text concludes by evaluating potential solutions through a consideration of such elements as technology, politics, economics and planning.Emphasis throughout is placed on providing a balanced integrated approach covering both the physical, economic, political and socioeconomic causes of environmental problems as well as exploring the solutions these approaches entail. This user-friendly volume is an essential book for students and all who are concerned with the nature of contemporary environmental issues. Information is presented in a refreshing manner utilising over 170 figures and 50 photographs. Global boxed case studies are used throughout to highlight and explore issues in more detail. The text also contains discussion points, annotated further reading and an extensive glossary.