Earth under siege: from air pollution to global change

Abstract

This book addresses the problems of environmental pollution and global change. It offers a basic understanding of how the physical environment functions and how human activities are affecting it. Part I introduces the evolution of Earth and the basic physical and chemical principles that operate in the geosphere and the atmosphere. Part II considers local and regional pollution issues, including: sources and dispersion of pollutants; smog; health effects of pollution; indoor air pollution; and acid rain. Global pollution issues are introduced in Part III, including: global biogeochemical cycles; weather and climate; greenhouse warming; the ozone layer; and environmental engineering. An appendix provides an aid to basic mathematics used throughout the book and simple experiments that demonstrate common natural phenomena.