Environment in a global perspective

The environmental regulations applied since the 1960s have been successful in many respects, and the worst effects of rapid industrialisation have thus been mitigated. In many countries, the environment is now less polluted, the air cleaner and the water in rivers less polluted. However, the basic trends in the planetary ecosystem are still negative, with biodiversity being lost, many ecosystems threatened, and even talk of a sixth planetary extinction. Of great concern is the deepening climate crisis, which is at the forefront of political discussions at all levels, from global to national. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that, unlike measures introduced in the past, this time more profound changes are needed. We are witnessing the beginning of a far-reaching social transformation and this book should contribute to understanding it. < br> The second edition has been supplemented by a chapter on "Current Trends", which briefly discusses environmentally significant events and changes of the present day. < br> Professor Bedřich Moldan's book is based on his lectures at the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Humanities of Charles University and clearly presents key aspects of environmental issues.