Description:Written by one of the most distinguished and best-known human ecologists, this book deals with the ecology of planet earth, focusing on the condition of the global environment and the quality of human life. Emphasis is placed on how we affect global ecosystems and how these effects are in turn modifying our health, behavior, economics, and politics. Specific sections and chapters address the ecological components of planet earth, the biosphere and its meaning for us, ecosystem ecology, worldwide environmental trends, the state of human populations, competition and conflict, the ecology of war, an agenda for survival, sustainability, and future prospects. This unique work gives a broader definition of our environment than conventional ecology books, offering thorough considerations of various viewpoints, including good news and favorable trends.