Forests are the lungs of our planet, and it is essential that we keep the plant life healthy for Earth's well-being. Yet, it is no secret that our forests are in great danger. This book explores the science and politics behind exactly what is happening to the forests and why, along with the current and potential ramifications we may face in the future. The reader is confronted with staggering case studies and is challenged to think critically about the problems with how we are using this important resource. This book captures readers' attention with colorful pictures and edgy fact boxes, while raising awareness levels about this matter of ever-growing importance.

Poisoned palms brings the true facts of this turn of the century murder mystery into a tale of fiction.

Earth's wetlands are crucially important land areas that can easily get overlooked when talking about bodies of water. Wetlands hold some of the most concentrated biodiversity of any ecosystem and act as a filter to help keep our water clean. This book explores the danger facing our wetlands, and what is at stake if we do not reverse the damage. The final spread gives readers the chance to conduct their own environmental investigation with guidelines on how to observe, monitor, and analyze the health of a wetland area. This volume introduces an important part of our ecosystem to the reader's attention and inspires scientists of all levels to take action.

The oil palm is the world's most valuable oil crop. Its production has increased over the decades, reaching 56 million tons in 2013, and it gives the highest yields per hectare of all oil crops. Remarkably, oil palm has remained profitable through periods of low prices. Demand for palm oil is also expanding, with the edible demand now complemented by added demand from biodiesel producers. The Oil Palm is the definitive reference work on this important crop. This fifth edition features new topics - including the conversion of palm oil to biodiesel, and discussions about the impacts of palm oil production on the environment and effects of climate change alongside comprehensively revised chapters, with updated references throughout. The Oil Palm, Fifth Edition will be useful to researchers, plantation and mill managers who wish to understand the science underlying recommended practices. It is an indispensable reference for agriculture students and all those working in the oil palm industry worldwide.