Summary

Australians and Their Environment introduces the broad and complex field of environmental studies in an Australian context. Emphasizing the need to include a wide range of perspectives, the book integrates varied approaches to environmental studies, from philosophy and ethics, through the social science and economics, to the biophysical and physical sciences. The book begins with a discussion of concepts central to environmental understanding, debate , and decision making and then applies these concepts to current environmental topics. Chapters cover: natural cycles and biogeochemical processes; ecological concepts and relationships; economics and resource concepts; values and attitudes; politics and bureaucratic structures; planning and management techniques; Aboriginal resource use and management; biodiversity and reserves; forestry; fishing; mining; agriculture; energy and transport; water; and waste management and the urban environment.