Encyclopedia of Global Environmental Change, Causes and Consequences of Global Environmental Change

The character of the Earth’s surface is constantly changing as a result of the interactions of the great circulations of energy, water and materials that create the biogeochemical cycles between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, cryosphere and biosphere.<br /> <br /> In addition human actions, from social and environmental interplay – often termed human ecology – have to be seen as part of a whole Earth system, impacting on biogeochemical cycles to produce feedbacks and responses. Some resulting impacts are readily expected, but others are less easily anticipated and all affect global environmental change.<br /> <br /> The task of Volume Three of the Encyclopedia is to look at and analyse the interactions, feedbacks and causes from a holistic viewpoint and report upon some of the key aspects of human knowledge that are required for an integrated science.<br /> <br /> Coverage includes:<br /> * Human disturbance of the Earth system<br /> <br /> * Global land cover and land use<br /> <br /> * Global population trends<br /> <br /> * Trends in global emissions<br /> <br /> * Water use: Future trends, and environmental and social impacts<br /> <br /> * Rice and its spread<br /> <br /> * Environmental change and human health<br /> <br /> * Environmental changes driven by civil conflict and war