A handy volume discussing some of the most challenging problems of our time, their local, & global effects. Definitions are concise but informative & they are indexed geographically & by subject. Special emphasis has been given to the Southern Hemisphere since it has often been underrepresented. The geographical & general indicies reveal hundreds of allied & related references designed to help both senior & junior researchers. The reference has been found useful for curriculum development from middle school to college level.