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. 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. 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. Coverage includes: * Human disturbance of the Earth system * Global land cover and land use * Global population trends * Trends in global emissions * Water use: Future trends, and environmental and social impacts * Rice and its spread * Environmental change and human health * Environmental changes driven by civil conflict and war

The First Edition of the Encyclopedia of Global Warming and Climate Change provided a multi-authored, academic yet non-technical resource for students and teachers to understand the importance of global warming, to appreciate the effects of human activity and greenhouse gases around the world, and to learn the history of climate change and the research enterprise examining it. This edition was well received, with notable reviews. Since its publication, the debate over the advent of global warming at least partially brought on by human enterprise has continued to ebb and flow, depending literally on the weather, politics, and media coverage of climate summits and debates. Advances in research also change the discourse as new data is collected and new scientific projects continue to explore and explain global warming and climate change. Thus, a new, Second Edition updates more than half of the original entries and adds new perspectives and content to keep students and researchers up-to-date in a field that has proven provocatively lively.

THE DEFINITIVE RESOURCE The Encyclopedia of Global Environmental Change is the first major reference work in this multi-disciplinary field, and presents... * Outstanding authorship and high quality editing * Comprehensive coverage with over 3,800 pages in 5 volumes * Over 500 articles, 100 biographies, 150 definitions and 100 acronyms * Extensive bibliographies with up-to-date references ABOUT THE ENCYCLOPEDIA The Wiley Encyclopedia of Global Environmental Change has been published to meet the need for a comprehensive integrated reference in this burgeoning field. It consists of five volumes of inter-related material: Volume 1: The Earth System: Physical and Chemical Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Volume 2: The Earth System: Biological and Ecological Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Volume 3: Causes and Consequences of Global Environmental Change Volume 4: Responding to Global Environmental Change Volume 5: Social and Economic Dimensions of Global Environmental Change * Each volume contains articles of between 1,000 and 10,000 words on major topics * Articles contain an abstract written for the non-specialist, followed by the main text which provides greater detail for the specialist * Biographies of distinguished environmental scientists discuss their contributions to a better understanding of global environmental change * Definitions of international terms and descriptions of acronyms of international and regional programs and agencies provide a quick reference source for the environmental scientist and student * Presents a thematic approach and includes theory, empirical studies and applications emphasising the inter-relationship between various disciplines and systems

This is a collection of approximately 750 articles exploring major topics related to global warming and climate change ranging geographically from the North Pole to the South Pole and thematically from social effects to scientific cause. It also covers industrial and economic factors, the role of societies and much more.

The Encyclopedia of Global Environmental Change is the first major reference work in this multi-disciplinary field, and presents outstanding authorship and high quality editing. Comprehensive coverage with over 3,800 pages in 5 volumes. Over 500 articles, 100 biographies, 150 definitions, and 100 acronyms. Extensive bibliographies with up-to-date references. The Wiley Encyclopedia of Global Environmental Change has been published to meet the need for a comprehensive integrated reference in this burgeoning field. Each volume contains articles of between 1,000 and 10,000 words on major topics. Articles contain an abstract written for the non-specialist, followed by the main text, which provides greater detail for the specialist Biographies of distinguished environmental scientists discuss their contributions to a better understanding of global environmental change. Definitions of international terms and descriptions of acronyms of international and regional programs and agencies provide a quick reference source for the environmental scientist and student. Presents a thematic approach and includes theory, empirical studies, and applications emphasising the inter-relationship between various disciplines and systems--From the publisher's description.