Environmental Change and Challenge: A Canadian Perspective helps students understand the ongoing change, complexity, and conflict associated with environmental issues. Introducing the basic scientific concepts relevant to the study of the global environment, this text explains the application of science to resource management. The book aids student with an understanding of the biosphere's function, and to link basic environmental management principles to environmental and resource problems in a Canadian context. It provides both a basic background of the issues and a broad platform on which further understanding can be built.

Note: Each chapter ends with a summary, key terms, review questions, related websites, and references and suggested readings Preface Acknowledgements Part A: Introduction 1. Environment, Resources, and Society Introduction Defining Environment and Resources Alternative Approaches to Understanding Complex Natural and Socio-economic Systems Science-based Management of Resources and Environment The Sydney Tar Ponds The Global Picture The Canadian Picture Jurisdictional Arrangements for Environmental Management in Canada Measuring Progress The Ecosphere 2. Energy Flows and Ecosystems Introduction Energy Energy Flows in Ecological Systems Ecosystem Structure 3. Ecosystem Change Introduction Ecological Succession Ecosystem Homeostatsis Population Growth Evolution, Speciation, and Extinction Biodiversity 4. Ecosystems and Matter Cycling Introduction Matter Biogeochemical Cycles The Hydrological Cycle Biogeochemical Cycles and Human Activity Part C: Planning and Management: Philosophy, Process, and Product 5. Planning and Management: Philosophy Introduction Planning and Management Components 6. Planning and Management: Process, Methods, and Product Introduction Collaboration and Co-ordination Stakeholders and Participatory Approaches Communication Adaptive Management Impact and Risk Assessment Dispute Resolution Regional and Land-Use Planning Part D: Resource and Environmental Management in Canada 7. Climate Change Introduction Nature of Climate Change Scientific Evidence Related to Climate Change Modelling Climate Change Scientific Explanations Case Studies: Rise of Sea Level in PEI and Winter Tourism in Ontario Communicating Global Change Kyoto Protocol Moving Forward 8. Oceans and Fisheries Introduction Ocean Ecosystems Ocean Management Challenges Global Responses Canada's Oceans Marine Ecozones Fisheries Aboriginal Use of Marine Resources Hydrocarbon Development Pollution Some Canadian Responses Aquaculture 9. Forests Introduction The Boreal Rendezvous An Overview of Canada's Forests Forest Management Practices Environmental and Social Impacts of Forest Management Practices New Forestry Canada's National Forest Strategies 10. Agriculture Introduction Agriculture as an Ecological Process Modern Farming Systems in the Industrialized World Trends in Canadian Agriculture Environmental Challenges for Canadian Agriculture Sustainable Food Production Systems Sustainable Agriculture in Action: Organic Farming 11. Endangered Species and Protected Areas Introduction Valuing Biodiversity Main Pressures Causing Extinction Vulnerability to Extinction Responses to the Loss of Biodiversity Protected Areas 12. Water Introduction Human Interventions in the Hydrological Cycle: Water Diversions Water Quality Water Security: Protecting Quantity and Quality Water as Hazard Heritage Rivers 13. Minerals and Energy Introduction Framing Issues and Questions Non-renewable Resources in Canada: Basic Information Remediating Mined Landscapes: Sudbury, Ontario Developing a Diamond Mine: Ekati, NWT Energy Resources Part E: Environmental Change and Challenge Revisited 14. Making It Happen Introduction Global Perspectives National Perspectives Personal Perspectives The Law of Everybody Appendix: Conservation Organizations Glossary Publisher's Acknowledgements Index

Philip DeardenDepartment of Geography, University of Victoria, Bruce MitchellDepartment of Geography, University of Waterloo