Description

The present and future state of the environment gives rise to ever increasing concern, but much less is known as yet about the past: the damage that has been done since, and by, the Industrial Revolution; how far our predecessors were aware of it; the steps they took; and the gradual development of a wider concern for the state of the world and our impact on it. This timely and pioneering survey, designed for general readers as well as students and scholars, is a substantial contribution to that understanding.

Features

* traces the physical effects of industrialisation and population growth

* considers the economic consequences of using up finite resources

* examines the development of our environmental consciousness

Table of Contents

List of Abbreviations.  List of Illustrations.  Acknowledgements.  Preface.  1. Introduction.  Part One: Pollution and amenity.  2. The age of smoke and smells.  3. From smoke abatement to global warming.  4. Water resources under strain.  5. Land loss and reclamation.  6. Towards a green and pleasant land.  Part two: The Prodigal Economy - and its reform?  7. Energy.  8. Metals and minerals.  9. Any old iron?  10. By products.  11. Conclusion: economic growth and the environment.  Index.

Reader Review(s)

'Clearly written, and innocent of scientific jargon, both natural and social, it will provide a good basic text not only for students of history, but also for those of geography, ecology, planning, and (one would like to hope) business studies.'

Business Studies