"The Global Casino is an introduction to environmental issues which links the physical environment to the political, social and economic contexts in which these issues occur. Case studies from around the globe are used to illustrate key environmental issues, from global warming and deforestation to natural hazards and soil erosion. The book highlights the underlying causes behind environmental problems, including human actions, and emphasises the potential for solutions." "This new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated, with the introduction of new illustrative material and up-to-the-minute case studies. New features include a chapter-by-chapter list of exercises, essay questions and topics for discussion, as well as an expanded glossary. A new emphasis has been placed on making clear the links between specific environmental problems and more general issues relating to the physical and human environments and to the critical concept of sustainable development. The popular lists of key readings and websites, again related specifically to the content of each chapter, have been fully updated and expanded."--Jacket.