Book Review

by Paul Ganderton

Aplin G et al. 1999. Global Environmental Crises: an Australian perspective - 2nd e. Oxford University Press. pp xvi + 392. ISBN 0 19 550827 0. $44.95.

This multi-author work is aimed at the Australian reader but much of what is said can easily be applied elsewhere. The basic problem facing Australia is that since 1788 the European settlers have applied European techniques and ideas to a completely different environmental context; one with high levels of aridity and salinity and low levels of soil stability and fertility. The implications of this mis-match serve to highlight environmental responses to global change. For the interested Northern hemisphere reader there are two advantages: a chance to learn more about an increasingly important tourist and trade area; and a chance to see what happens when things go wrong on a large scale (e.g. 2/3 of New South Wales has soil problems which is about the size of the UK!). The introduction highlights global problems and Australia's part in them. Subsequent chapters look at population, food, water, forests, atmosphere, urban areas and international cooperation. The final chapter puts forwards some suggestions as to how to proceed. Each chapter starts with the global view and then turns to look at the local perspective. There are copious diagrams, maps and tables to accompany the text whilst the usual boxes deal with specific issues and case studies. At the end of each chapter there are references and a useful selection of web sites.

The text has a very clear style and is highly readable. Since so much of the text deals with global issues (witness the references which are heavily biased towards the UK and USA) it would make an excellent if unusual addition to the library. As a way of extending interest both within and outside Australia this must be rated one of the best.