Product Description

"The Global Casino" is a compelling introduction to environmental issues which links the physical environment to its political, social and economic contexts. Case studies from around the globe are used to illustrate key environmental issues, from global warming and deforestation to natural hazards and soil erosion. The book highlights the underlying causes behind environmental problems, including human actions and emphasises the potential for solutions. In line with contemporary international trends, a new emphasis is placed on the critical concept of sustainable development. This new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated, with the introduction of new illustrative material and up-to-the-minute case studies. Particularly useful new features for students include a chapter-by-chapter set of exercises, essay questions and topics for discussion, as well as an expanded glossary. The ever-popular lists of key readings and websites, again linked specifically to the content of each chapter, have been fully updated and expanded. This textbook will be an essential course companion for students of the environment, geography and the earth sciences.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #266482 in Books
• Published on: 2003-05-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

Review
A comprehensive and up-to-date survey of the world's environmental issues, this is an invaluable source of reference for the student and general reader alike. -- The Good Book Guide Middleton's title is both innovative and appropriate ... Each chapter provides a convenient and accessible introduction to the issue in question. -- Progress in Physical Geography A book of such broad canvas, critical outlook and competitive price can be confidently recommended as a study aid for a wide range of courses in geography, environmental science and development studies. -- Global Ecology and Biogeography Letters This book...provides a concise introduction to each topic; there are abundant facts rather than general statements which impart rigour. It fulfils its objective as an introduction to environmental issues for A level and first year undergraduates in geography and environmental science. For those wanting to delve deeper, each chapter has web site recommendations... ...this book...(emphasizes) what messy mortals humans are and what risks they have taken withn the global casino. Volume 29 2004 -- Transactions of the IBG Considerable advances in understanding and managing environmental issues have been made in recent years and, with the plethora of environment-related conventions, reports, initiatives and treaties that have appeared since the publication of the second edition in 1999, this third edition of The Global Casino is timely and has much to offer. It provides a comprehensive, undergraduate-level introduction to environmental problems and is packed with case studies and up-to-date information...the improved and re-organised lists of references and websites provide an excellent resource for researching topics further. -- Progress in Physical Geography 20041101

About the Author
Nick Middleton is a Fellow and Lecturer in Physical Geography at St Anne's College, University of Oxford, UK. He has starred in the television series 'Going to Extremes' and has written a book of the same title, as well as being the author of several successful travel books such as 'Travels as a Brussels Scout' and 'Ice Tea and Elvis: A Saunter through the Southern States'.

Customer Reviews

A valuable introduction to current world issues
A great introduction to Geographical issues for the new century. The revised (1999) edition is an important source for anyone studying Geography at University level, and will add both breadth and depth to any course. Each chapter provides further references and a genuine and unbiased approach to global environmental problems.

Accurate and Realistic
Nick Middleton's Global Casino proved priceless for my A-Level work. It was useful as a secondary source for coursework in Environmental Issues which are becoming more and more of an issue in the modern age. It was also a good read which opened my eyes to the realities of our fragile planet. Well done Nick!

Excellent particularly for a foundation year or your first year of an environmentally related degree
I read this book during the first year of my Geography degree and can tell you that it was absolutely priceless. It was also referred to, though not as much during my second and third years. A really good book for an introduction to, as the title suggests, environmental issues.