Resources, environment, and population

Increasingly, human societies face tradeoffs between continuing population growth, gains in material progress, and preservation of the natural environment for future generations. In analytical essays and commentaries in this book, distinguished social and natural scientists explore the complex interrelationships among population trends, resource use, and environmental impacts. They document local, regional, and global processes and examine policy options-and impediments to action-at various stages of development and under differing economic systems. The content of the volume is wideranging, representing the differing theoretical, ideological, and disciplinary orientations of the contributors. Broadly, the organization proceeds from examination of general principles to documentation of specific areas of human concern related to resources and environmental impacts, and concludes with discussion of implications for policy.