For more than three decades, the impact of aid on the global environment has been the subject of vigorous protest and debate. With billions spent on environmental aid each year, this groundbreaking text seeks to understand why aid is given, how effective it is, and whether aid is actually going to the places with the greatest environmental need.

Are you tired of simplistic treatment of the world's most important issues? So many competing readers offer simple black and white treatment of today's complex problems. Help your students see the shades of gray. In this annual reader, CQ Researcher reporters offer students an in-depth and nuanced look at sixteen of today's most pressing issues, ranging from changes in the Middle East and prospects for peace to climate change and terrorism. Each chapter identifies the key players, explores what's at stake, and offers necessary background and analysis so students understand how past and current developments impact the future of each issue. Also included: Pro/con box that examines two competing sides of a single issue question; Detailed chronology; Annotated bibliography and web resources; and Photos, charts, graphs, and maps