Global biological diversity, ecosystem diversity.

"This atlas provides the first truly global assessment of the state of the world's mangroves. Written by the leading expert on mangroves with support from the top international researchers and conservation organizations, this full color atlas contains 60 full-page maps, hundreds of photographs and illustrations and a comprehensive country-by-country assessment of mangroves. Included are the first detailed estimates of changes in mangrove forestcover worldwide and at regional and national levels, an assessment of these changes and a country-by-country examination of biodiversity protection. The book also presents a wealth of global statistics on biodiversity, habitat area, loss and economic value which provide a unique record of mangroves against which future threats and changes can be evaluated. Case-studies, written by regional experts, provide insights into regional mangrove issues, including primary and potential productivity, biodiversity, and information on present and traditional uses and values and sustainable management."--Pub. desc.

An up-to-date, detailed, and fully-illustrated account of the biodiversity and status of coral reefs.

The Illustrated World Atlas takes an integrated approach, combining essential reference and cartographic information with stimulating artwork and photos that reflect the fifteen major regions around the globe. Organized on a spread-by-spread basis, three main themes are covered in each region: -- people and places -- nature -- farming and industry This makes comparative information easy to find and the book a joy to use. -- highly cartographic with large, up-to-date relief maps -- superb illustrations and stimulating photographs -- divided into fifteen regions each featuring people and places, nature, farming, and industry -- extensive datafiles on population and statistics -- fascinating key facts -- presented in an accessible way -- a comprehensive gazetteer and index helps readers find their way around the world -- National flags -- Prominent headings -- Special selected photographs show regional life -- A grid of letters, numbers and blue and white boarder cross-references with the gazetteer -- Detailed maps -- Locator globes -- Compass point -- Data files

The concept of 'sustainable development' was first introduced at the time of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, where over 170 heads of state signed a plan of action for the 21st century - Agenda 21. Agenda 21 sets out a proposal for sustainable development that combines several goals: preservation of the environment, social equity and economic efficiency, aiming to ensure the well-being of the world's people without compromising the future of generations to come. This Atlas proposed an unprecedented 'reading' of the global situation, supported by socio-economic, geopolitical and environmental data. Topics including access to education, the gulf between living standards in the North and the South, women's civil rights, climate change and international solidarity are presented along with a series of fully updated 30 information sheets and 40 full-colour maps. 'World Atlas of Sustainable Development' is a unique and valuable tool for individuals and organizations interested in development, whether they work in businesses, administration, local authorities, associations or education, as it is designed to be concise, accessible and objective.

The World Atlas of Desertification summarises the state of scientific knowledge on the drylands of the globe. Representing in graphic form the current stage of our understanding of desertification, as well as its extent and possible solutions, it contains an extraordinary amount of information of value to students and experts alike. The Atlas clearly shows that desertification is one of the world's most pressing environmental problems, and that it is a truly global issue. Since the publication of the first edition in 1992, over 100 countries have ratified the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. This 2nd edition reflects major advances in our understanding of desertification over the past few years and has been thoroughly revised and expanded to almost twice its original size. Because combating desertification involves all aspects of environmental issues, this edition covers a broader range of topics, including concerns surrounding poverty, biodiversity, climate change and the availability of water. Social and economic conditions also have a major impact on the progress and control of desertification and this edition contains the latest information on population movements which result from, and lead to desertification. Desertification directly affects the livelihoods of more than one billion people who are directly dependent on the land for their survival. Using the latest updated digitised maps of desertification and fully referenced throughout, this Atlas is essential reading for everyone concerned with the drylands and their people.

Welcome, all you globetrotters! Take the ultimate round-the-world trip with this spectacular atlas, showcasing more than 640 maps and a wealth of information about every nation on Earth. Travel across the world from the British Isles to Australasia with Reference World Atlas to learn about our diverse planet. The introduction section provides an insight into how our physical world took shape and life emerged across the planet. Take a look at world climate and population trends, and then follow the continent-by-continent guide to expand your understanding of each region or country. Along with detailed physical and political maps, Reference World Atlas also contains terrain models, cross-sections, and cultural and economic information. This book features huge 3-D maps and more than 750 photographs that showcase some of the most jaw-dropping locations on our planet. With more than 80,000 index entries, this revised 10th edition of Reference World Atlas is an essential educational tool for homes and schools.

Seagrasses are a vital and widespread but often overlooked coastal marine habitat. This volume provides a global survey of their distribution and conservation status.

The completely up-to-date edition of a comprehensive overview of the elements that define our world Now in its ninth edition, the widely praised Penguin State of the World Atlas remains an accessible, unique visual survey of current events and global trends. Completely revised and updated, this distinctive atlas presents the latest statistics on communications and information technology, international trade, globalization of work, aging and new health risks, food and water, energy resources and consumption, global warming and biodiversity, literacy, gender equality, wars and peacekeeping, and more. Fascinating, troubling, and surprising, this is one atlas no student of the world should be without.