Publisher's Synopsis
The problems of land degradation are increasingly apparent. During the long tenure of the Earth by humans terrestrial environments have suffered localized damage and degradation. While the western world is slowly coming to terms with the need for a new rapprochement between technology, development and the environment, it is clear that in the tropics the driving force for rapid development and industrialization is powered by policies of exploitation and quick gain.;Tropical countries are now having to deal with the legacies of exploitation and environmental mismanagement, and at the same time cope with processes of global change, such as climatic warming, sea level rises and desertification.;This book outlines the broad issues of land degradation and addresses the main social and policy issues for developing countries. Using a number of case studies from international contributors, the book is grouped into four major areas: degradation in the tropical forests, in the drier tropics, in tropical wetlands and the important issue of urban and industrial degradation in the tropics. Detail examinations cover a broad range of areas including Amazonia, Malaysia, Malawi, Zimbabwe.
