As cities in developing countries grow and become more prosperous, energy use shifts from fuelwood to fuels like charcoal, kerosene, and coal, and, ultimately, to fuels such as liquid petroleum gas, and electricity. Energy use is not usually considered as a social issue. Yet, as this book demonstrates, the movement away from traditional fuels has a strong socio-economic dimension, as poor people are the last to attain the benefits of using modern energy. The result is that health risks from the continued use of wood fuel fall most heavily on the poor, and indoor pollution from wood stoves has its greatest effect on women and children who cook and spend much more of their time indoors. Barnes, Krutilla, and Hyde provide the first worldwide assessment of the energy transition as it occurs in urban households, drawing upon data collected by the World Bank Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme (ESMAP). From 1984-2000, the program conducted over 25,000 household energy surveys in 45 cities spanning 12 countries and 3 continents. Additionally, GIS mapping software was used to compile a biomass database of vegetation patterns surrounding 34 cities. Using this rich set of geographic, biological, and socioeconomic data, the authors describe problems and policy options associated with each stage in the energy transition. The authors show how the poorest are most vulnerable to changes in energy markets and demonstrate how the collection of biomass fuel contributes to deforestation. Their book serves as an important contribution to development studies, and as a guide for policymakers hoping to encourage sustainable energy markets and an improved quality of life for growing urban populations.

The Encyclopedia of Global Environmental Change is the first major reference work in this multi-disciplinary field, and presents outstanding authorship and high quality editing. Comprehensive coverage with over 3,800 pages in 5 volumes. Over 500 articles, 100 biographies, 150 definitions, and 100 acronyms. Extensive bibliographies with up-to-date references. The Wiley Encyclopedia of Global Environmental Change has been published to meet the need for a comprehensive integrated reference in this burgeoning field. Each volume contains articles of between 1,000 and 10,000 words on major topics. Articles contain an abstract written for the non-specialist, followed by the main text, which provides greater detail for the specialist Biographies of distinguished environmental scientists discuss their contributions to a better understanding of global environmental change. Definitions of international terms and descriptions of acronyms of international and regional programs and agencies provide a quick reference source for the environmental scientist and student. Presents a thematic approach and includes theory, empirical studies, and applications emphasising the inter-relationship between various disciplines and systems--From the publisher's description.

"This publication represents the views and expert opinions of an IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, which met in Lyon, 10-17 October 2006."