Global Change and the Earth System: A Planet Under Pressure

This book co-edited by the PAGES IPO, synthesises research from IGBP's first phase and captures the state of the planet and the pressure it is under.

The interactions between environmental change and human societies have a long, complex history spanning many millennia, but these have changed fundamentally in the last century. Human activities are now so pervasive and profound that they are altering the Earth in ways which threaten the very life support system upon which humans depend.

This book describes what is known about the Earth System and the impact of changes caused by humans. It considers the consequences of these changes with respect to the stability of the Earth System and the well-being of humankind; as well as exploring future paths towards Earth System science in support of global sustainability.

1st ed. 2004. 2nd printing, 2005, XII, 332 p. 258 illus., 145 in color. With CD-ROM.

Hardcover, ISBN 978-3-540-26594-8