The second edition of this fully integrated introductory text for courses in environmental studies and physical geography builds on the resounding success of the first edition, providing a comprehensive account of modern environmental issues and the physical and socio-economic framework in which they are set. It explains the principles and applications of the different parts of the Earth's system: the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and the biosphere, and explains the interrelationships within and between these systems. It explores the present environmental crisis, examines how the planet Earth fits into the wider universe and explores human-environment interactions. New features of the second edition include: *Two entirely new chapters on population' and back to the future' *Updated case studies and examples bring completely fresh perspectives to recent environmental events and issues *New boxes introduce emerging approaches, techniques or perspectives *Additional student-friendly textbook features include learning outcomes and end-of-chapter summaries and a glossary of key terms *New colour and black and white plates *Updated annotated reading *Web links to sites illustrating themes and material covered in the book *An associated website structured by chapter with a complete bibliography and links to imagery and an updated lecturer's manual