Suchergebnisse

In the United States, the problem of sheer quantity of raw materials has given way in importance to the qualitative problem of environmental pollution. On the quantitative side, physical and economic indicators and goals are available, but on the qualitative side, such goals and indi cators are more difficult to conceive and work with because the more subjective problems of individual and social welfare must be taken into account. As exemplified by the water- quality studies of the Delaware Estuary, probably the basic indicator for social welfare would be the net social benefits (minus costs or losses in some sense) that would result from various selected measures to deal with a specific problem. Where estimates of benefits seem impossible, a second-best objective would be minimizing the social costs of selected measures. In view of the interrelatedness of environmental pollution problems, the concept of the "environmental problem shed" has been suggested—taking into account the various interrelated physical and social problems and indicators within a given area. Research is also needed on the processes by which environmental quality standards and programs are reached, the direction and rates of change for which statistical indicators are necessary, and to create and improve the indi cators of trends in environmental pollution and its effects on people.—Ed.

Asbestos minerals have novel properties which make them highly desirable for industrial use. While the health hazards of asbestos have long been recognized and are well documented in the medical literature, ecological and environmental research involving asbestos fibers has only been undertaken in the past 25 years and the significant deleterious effects of asbestos materials on soil and plant ecology has been much less well publicised. This book examines non-occupational exposure and environmental effects of asbestos relating to animal and plant growth in the natural environment. Major nutrient imbalances and excess concentrations of trace metals have been identified as main causes for the poor plant response. Given the complexity of the asbestos analysis and the extent of the problem, this book attempts to bring together the multitude of subjects pertaining to asbestos in the natural environment with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of the chemical characteristics of asbestos-rich materials and their effect on plant growth

This book explores the interaction between human health and natural environments, which involves a myriad of experiences, settings, and beliefs. It aims to provide a bridge between what people do (individually and collectively) in natural settings and how that action can impact health, both individually and collectively as the human species. By extension the book modestly addresses how human understanding of the importance of the natural environment to one's health and well-being can influence one's relationship with the natural world. The information is presented in 11 chapters: an overview; human perceptions of nature; the historical connection between natural environments and health; concepts and theories; human development and nature; adaptations and applications; outcomes and benefits; sense of place and the role of education; innovative approaches to integrating natural environments and health; future actions and implications: policy and research; and, information resources.

In this volume leading international environmental philosophers further the debate about the value of nature, the concept of the environment, and the metaphysical, ethical, social and international implications of these concepts. Philosophers have to some extent neglected the study of nature and the natural environment, and this collection not only provides a long-overdue contribution to that study, but also points to inadequacies of much contemporary ethical and political theory. For environmentalists who are not philosophers, it will stimulate reflection on their own concepts and principles.