Written by an international team of specialists, this Atlas illustrates through text and beautifully rendered maps, graphics and diagrams the interplay between population and the world’s ecosystems and natural resources both in the short and long terms. It brings together a wealth of information from the most up-to-date sources on such key issues as climate change, access to water, exploitation of ocean resources, nuclear energy and waste, renewable energy, weapons of mass destruction, causes of industrial accidents, waste, export, hunger, genetically modified organisms, urban development, access to health care and ecological change in China.

With its expansive scope, richly detailed information, and inviting design, this Atlas is an indispensable resource for understanding the planet we live in.

Contents

• Polar ice caps melting faster
• Point of no return for global warming
• Water becoming a rarity
• Ocean resources under threat
• Nuclear power for civilian and military use
• Renewable energy, fact and fiction
• Weapons for rich … and poor
• Who causes industrial accidents?
• Waste, recyclers and recycled
• The south depends on its exports
• Losing the battle against hunger
• GM organisms, too much, too soon
• Urban development trends
• Widening health care gap
• China a key factor in tomorrow’s climate