Global warming, ozone depletion, drought, acid rain - their causes are viewed as extraordinarily complex; their effects are assumed catastrophic. Global Environmental Issues provides the key to understanding our potential environmental crisis through an analysis of the common component to all environmental issues: the atmosphere.This book provides a balanced introduction to both the dangers and advantages of human interference with the environment. Socio-economic, cultural and political factors are assessed and sophisticated scientific ideas are expressed in a clear, non-technical manner. This new edition of a best selling text is completely updated, revised and expanded.