This resource, by a professor of ecology and environmental science, features the latest information on the global environmental crisis in the 20th century. Ideal for student research, it examines the main causes of environmental concern and the key players who raised the environmental consciousness of the public. Following a timeline of key events and a historical overview of the environmental crisis, topical essays examine each of the major areas of enviromental concern: our vanishing wilderness, pollution, overpopulation, and the long-term problem of how we can coexist with our environment without destroying it. Ready-reference features include biographical sketches, the text of key primary documents, a glossary, over 40 tables, charts and illustrations, and an annotated bibliography.

Clear explanations of the various aspects of the environmental crisis are accompanied by tables, charts, diagrams, and photographs to illustrate the scope and complexity of the problems. Biographical sketches of key environmentalists are useful for ready reference. The text of key primary documents include excerpts from important environmental legislation and treaties and declarations from environmental groups. No other work on this topic offers both analysis of a broad spectrum of environmental concerns and ready-reference materials suitable for high school and college student research.