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Practical Statistics for Geographers and Earth Scientists
by Nigel WalfordA practice-oriented and accessible introduction to geographical statistics In the newly revised Second Edition of Practical Statistics for Geographers and Earth Scientists, distinguished researcher Nigel Walford delivers an authoritative and easy-to-follow introduction to the principles and applications of statistical analysis in a geographical context. The book assists students in the development of competence in the statistical procedures necessary to conduct independent investigations, field-work, and related geographical research projects. The book explains statistical techniques relevant to geographical, geospatial, earth, and environmental data. It employs graphics and mathematical notation for maximum clarity. Guidance is provided on how to formulate research questions to ensure that the correct data is collected for the chosen analysis method. This new edition incorporates a new section on exploratory spatial analysis and spatial statistics. It also offers: A thorough introduction to first principles in the statistical analysis of geographical data, including discussions of the quality, content, collection, and acquisition of geographical data In-depth treatments of geographical data exploration, including the taking of statistical measures or quantities, as well as frequency distributions, probability, and hypotheses Comprehensive explorations of testing times, including parametric and nonparametric tests Insightful discussions of relationship investigation, including correlation and regression, as well as the spatial aspects of geographical data Perfect for undergraduates pursuing a degree in geography, Practical Statistics for Geographers and Earth Scientists will also be a valuable tool for students in other earth and environmental sciences.
Practical Sustainability
by Nasrin R. KhaliliA structured guideline for development and implementation of business strategies, programs, and models with core sustainability values is then proposed and explicitly discussed, drawing upon management models, tools and techniques proven to be effective in organizational decision-making and prognostication.
Practical Sustainability Strategies: How to Excel in ESG and Gain a Competitive Advantage
by Nikos Avlonas George P. NassosA comprehensive guide for developing and implementing ESG strategies that propel sustainable growth and enhance corporate responsibility Practical Sustainability Strategies: How to Excel in ESG and Gain a Competitive Advantage provides the essential tools needed to implement ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks. With a strong focus on actionable strategies and practical applications, this real-world guide offers expert insights into how sustainability can drive corporate success while benefiting the environment and society. In-depth yet accessible chapters bridge the gap between theory and practice, arming readers with proven frameworks to align organizational goals with global sustainability standards. The book covers the latest ESG trends and includes real-world case studies to help readers navigate the evolving landscape. The updated and expanded third edition builds on previous insights by incorporating the latest trends, tools, and guidelines, including an entirely new chapter on ESG and circular economy, to ensure that businesses stay ahead of the curve. Laying out a clear path to building sustainable, competitive businesses, this book: Provides the tools and knowledge required to communicate, measure, and report ESG metricsEmpowers organizations to lead with transparency and accountability, positively impacting both their bottom line and the wider worldIncludes PowerPoint slides for instructors and trainers to facilitate effective teaching and learningAddresses both advanced and specialist levels, suitable for professionals and students at various stages in their careersContains numerous case studies and practical templates based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards Ideal for graduate-level students studying sustainability, corporate social responsibility, business strategy, and corporate governance, Practical Sustainability Strategies: How to Excel in ESG and Gain a Competitive Advantage, Third Edition is also a valuable resource for C-Suite executives and sustainability managers, including Chief Sustainability Officers looking to deepen their knowledge and improve their organization’s ESG performance; as well as for government organizations and NGOs.
Practical Sustainability: A Guide to a More Sustainable Life
by Robert BrinkmannThis book will teach you everything you need to know about sustainable living—from reducing your greenhouse gas footprint to making sure that you are part of the green economy. Along the way, readers will learn about the field of sustainability and the “three E’s” of sustainable living—environment, economy, and equity. We are in the midst of great environmental change and all of us need to do everything we can to try to live more gently on the planet. Robert Brinkmann provides a range of options for readers as to what they can do to try to make a difference. Some involve simple lifestyle changes - but he also challenges all of us to commit to make more difficult and more meaningful changes to create a greener, more sustainable world. The book also delves into how we can create more sustainable communities, schools, and organizations. It showcases many examples of people and organizations that are making significant contributions to improving our planet’s sustainability that serve as inspiration and guidance for all of us trying to live more sustainably.
Practical Time Series Analysis in Natural Sciences (Progress in Geophysics)
by Victor PrivalskyThis book presents an easy-to-use tool for time series analysis and allows the user to concentrate upon studying time series properties rather than upon how to calculate the necessary estimates. The two attached programs provide, in one run of the program, a time and frequency domain description of scalar or multivariate time series approximated with a sequence of autoregressive models of increasing orders. The optimal orders are chosen by five order selection criteria. The results for scalar time series include time domain stochastic difference equations, spectral density estimates, predictability properties, and a forecast of scalar time series based upon the Kolmogorov-Wiener theory. For the bivariate and trivariate time series, the results contain a time domain description with multivariate stochastic difference equations, statistical predictability criterion, and information for calculating feedback and Granger causality properties in the bivariate case. The frequency domain information includes spectral densities, ordinary, multiple, and partial coherence functions, ordinary and multiple coherent spectra, gain, phase, and time lag factors. The programs seem to be unique and using them does not require professional knowledge of theory of random processes. The book contains many examples including three from engineering.
Practical Wisdom, Leadership and Culture: Indigenous, Asian and Middle-Eastern Perspectives (The Practical Wisdom in Leadership and Organization Series)
by Ali IntezariDespite the growing attention towards the importance of practical wisdom in business today, little research has been done about the concept of practical wisdom in the Indigenous, Asian and Middle-Eastern traditions. Contemporary studies of wisdom are dominated by the philosophical traditions of Western thought, which is based on the ancient Greek concepts of wisdom. Much less is known about how practical wisdom, as illuminated by these other traditions, can be implemented in today’s organizational settings. This book thus fills an important gap in understanding wisdom and how it is applied in a poly-cultural world. Wisdom is culturally bound. Wisdom is poly-cultural and interweaves individuality and communality. Practical wisdom is inextricably connected to many needs of contemporary personal and professional life. Moreover, the increasingly growing poly-culturality around the world requires a better understanding of how practical wisdom is understood in different cultures and traditions. Accordingly, there is a need for a) poly-cultural understanding of the concept of wisdom and b) the role of practical wisdom in a world crying out for wisdom. This book underlines the importance of developing a poly-cultural and interdisciplinary understanding of the concept of practical wisdom in today’s complex environment. The book offers significant insight into the implications of the non-Western traditions of wisdom and how such an understanding of the non-Western traditions can help us better and more critically understand and appropriately address new multi-faceted complex emerging phenomena. While the Western traditions offer valuable insight into the implication of wisdom in modern life, an integrated view that brings together the Western and non-Western traditions can provide a more critical and practical insight into how to apply practical wisdom in a contemporary poly-cultural environment.
Practical Work in Geography Part-1 class 11 - NCERT - 23
by National Council of Educational Research and TrainingThe 'Practical Work in Geography Part I' textbook, designed for Class XI students, is an introductory guide to the practical aspects of geography. It serves as a comprehensive manual that covers essential geographic tools and techniques. Readers are introduced to the fundamental concepts of cartography, including map reading, scale, and map projections. The book delves deep into the methodologies behind data collection, analysis, and interpretation in geographical research. Emphasis is placed on hands-on activities, promoting experiential learning through field surveys, data plotting, and graphical representation. Additionally, the textbook integrates thematic maps, diagrams, and illustrative examples to clarify complex geographical phenomena. By the end of the book, students are expected to be proficient in various practical skills that will prove invaluable in advanced geographic studies and real-world applications.
Practical and Theoretical Aspects of Geological Interpretation of Gravitational, Magnetic and Electric Fields: Proceedings Of The 45th Uspensky International Geophysical Seminar, Kazan, Russia (Springer Proceedings in Earth and Environmental Sciences)
by Danis Nurgaliev Natalia KhairullinaThis volume offers an overview of the state-of-the-art theoretical and practical approaches currently used for geophysical data interpretation. It includes new methods and techniques for solving data processing problems, and an analysis of geopotential fields by international researchers. It discusses topics such as: 1. Theoretical issues of interpretation of gravitational, magnetic and electric fields, including general methods of interpreting potential fields and other geophysical data. 2. Modern algorithms and computer technologies for interpretating geophysical fields. 3. The study of Earth deep structure using terrestrial and satellite potential field anomalies. 4. Geological interpretation of gravitational, magnetic and electric fields. This proceedings book is of interest to all geophysical researchers.
Practical and Theoretical Geoarchaeology
by Paul Goldberg Richard I. Macphail Chris Carey Yijie ZhuangPractical and Theoretical Geoarchaeology, Second Edition, provides an invaluable and vastly updated overview of geoarchaeology and how it can be used effectively in the study of archaeological sites and contexts. Taking a pragmatic and functional approach, this book presents: a fundamental, broad-based perspective of the essentials of modern geoarchaeology in order to demonstrate the breadth of the approaches and the depth of the problems that it can tackle. the rapid advances made in the area in recent years, but also gives the reader a firm grasp of conventional approaches. covers traditional topics with the emphasis on landscapes, as well as anthropogenic deposits and site formation processes and their investigation. provides guidelines for the presentation of field and laboratory methods and the reporting of geoarchaeological results. essential reading for archaeology undergraduate and graduate students, practicing archaeologists and geoscientists who need to understand and apply geoarchaeological methodologies, and help foster the dialog among diverse researchers investigating archaeological sites. Practical and Theoretical Geoarchaeology, Second Edition, is an ideal resource for undergraduate and graduate students in archaeology, and a great practical reference for practicing archaeologists and geoscientists who need to understand and apply geoarchaeological methodologies internationally.
Practical and Theoretical Geoarchaeology
by Paul Goldberg Richard I. MacphailPractical and Theoretical Geoarchaeology provides an invaluable overview of geoarchaeology and how it can be used effectively in the study of archaeological sites and contexts. <P><P>Taking a pragmatic and functional approach, this book presents: a fundamental, broad-based perspective of the essentials of modern geoarchaeology in order to demonstrate the breadth of the approaches and the depth of the problems that it can tackle. the rapid advances made in the area in recent years, but also gives the reader a firm grasp of conventional approaches. covers traditional topics with the emphasis on landscapes, as well as anthropogenic site formation processes and their investigation. provides guidelines for the presentation of field and laboratory methods and the reporting of geoarchaeological results. essential reading for archaeology undergraduate and graduate students, practicing archaeologists and geoscientists who need to understand and apply geoarchaeological methodologies. Artwork from the book is available to instructors online at: www.blackwellpublishing.com/goldberg "This is one of the best textbooks that I have read in years. I enjoyed reviewing it, and found it well-written and thorough in its coverage of the traditional earth science aspects of geoarchaeology. The non-traditional aspects were intriguing and equally thorough... I predict that this book will become the textbook of choice for geoarchaeology classes for several years." Geomorphology 101 (2008) 740-743
Practice of Bayesian Probability Theory in Geotechnical Engineering
by Zhen-Yu Yin Ka-Veng Yuen Wan-Huan ZhouThis book introduces systematically the application of Bayesian probabilistic approach in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering. Four typical problems are analyzed by using Bayesian probabilistic approach, i.e., to model the effect of initial void ratio on the soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC) of unsaturated soil, to select the optimal model for the prediction of the creep behavior of soft soil under one-dimensional straining, to identify model parameters of soils and to select constitutive model of soils considering critical state concept. This book selects the simple and easy-to-understand Bayesian probabilistic algorithm, so that readers can master the Bayesian method to analyze and solve the problem in a short time. In addition, this book provides MATLAB codes for various algorithms and source codes for constitutive models so that readers can directly analyze and practice.This book is useful as a postgraduate textbook for civil engineering, hydraulic engineering, transportation, railway, engineering geology and other majors in colleges and universities, and as an elective course for senior undergraduates. It is also useful as a reference for relevant professional scientific researchers and engineers.
Practice of Constitutive Modelling for Saturated Soils
by Pierre-Yves Hicher Zhen-Yu Yin Yin-Fu JinThis book describes the development of a constitutive modeling platform for soil testing, which is one of the key components in geomechanics and geotechnics. It discusses the fundamentals of the constitutive modeling of soils and illustrates the use of these models to simulate various laboratory tests. To help readers understand the fundamentals and modeling of soil behaviors, it first introduces the general stress–strain relationship of soils and the principles and modeling approaches of various laboratory tests, before examining the ideas and formulations of constitutive models of soils. Moving on to the application of constitutive models, it presents a modeling platform with a practical, simple interface, which includes various kinds of tests and constitutive models ranging from clay to sand, that is used for simulating most kinds of laboratory tests. The book is intended for undergraduate and graduate-level teaching in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering and other related engineering specialties. Thanks to the inclusion of real-world applications, it is also of use to industry practitioners, opening the door to advanced courses on modeling within the industrial engineering and operations research fields.
Practice of Discrete Element Method in Soil-Structure Interface Modelling
by Zhen-Yu Yin Wan-Huan ZhouThis book is related to a parametric study of the soil–structural interface shearing behavior based on the numerical simulations of interface shear test with DEM, which is conducted from the role of soil properties, particle properties and structural properties. To aid readers in easily understanding the generation, implementation of models and controlling modes, for each part, the relevant code is provided in the text, and the whole source code of model is given in Appendix to share with readers for practice. The book is intended for graduate-level teaching and research in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering, as well as in other related engineering specialties. This book is also of use to industry practitioners due to the inclusion of real-world applications, opening the door to advanced courses on modeling within the industrial engineering and operations research fields.
Practice of Sustainable Community Development
by R. Warren FlintOrdinary people, community leaders, and even organizations and corporations still do not fully comprehend the interconnected, "big picture" dynamics of sustainability theory and action. In exploring means to become more sustainable, individuals and groups need a reference in which to frame discussions so they will be relevant, educational, and successful when implemented. This book puts ideas on sustainable communities into a conceptual framework that will promote striking, transformational effects on decision-making. In this book practitioners and community leaders will find effective, comprehensive tools and resources at their finger-tips to facilitate sustainable community development (SCD). The book content examines a diverse range of SCD methods; assessing community needs and resources; creating community visions; promoting stakeholder interest and participation; analyzing community problems; designing and facilitating strategic planning; carrying out interventions to improve
Practices and Trends in Ground Improvement Techniques (Developments in Geotechnical Engineering)
by Hemanta Hazarika Juichi Nakazawa Iwao NakaharaThis book focuses on case studies from Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand and the USA in various ground improvement projects. It highlights new applications and trends in ground improvement geo-system including recycling, geo-environmental consideration and preservation of world cultural heritage. The contents will be useful for researchers and engineers to understand how the principles of ground improvement methods are executed in the site, basis of selection of a particular ground improvement technique in a project, cost-benefits of such methods, etc. This volume will also be a useful guide for beginners and intermediate-level practitioners dealing with geotechnical construction projects or who have interest in the development and practical application of ground improvement techniques. Engineers and researchers will find it helpful in developing, advancing and applying their techniques in the field.
Practices in Social Ecological Research: Interdisciplinary collaboration in 'adaptive doing'
by Helena Bender Andrea Rawluk Ruth Beilin Rebecca FordAimed at those at the forefront of social ecological thinking, this book presents a practice-oriented process to navigate the complex, interdisciplinary challenges of our time. The book brings together insights from the social sciences and beyond to introduce readers to ‘adaptive doing’ - a continuous and iterative process of experiential learning that provides an accessible structure and process for integrating a range of knowledge and practices. As part of the ‘adaptive doing’ learning cycle, the authors argue for a common platform, symbolically called ‘the agora’, where multiple ways of understanding can be discussed. In this space, participants can work from practice and narratives, toward meaning, knowledge formation and practice change.The book demonstrates three reframing tools for social ecological practice that provide readers with multiple ways of holistically entering the social ecological domain and expanding their perspectives with a view to changing practice. ‘Adaptive doing’ is presented as a catalyst for a new generation of social ecological research, in which participants honour their disciplinary foundations while being ready to collaborate within each new system, and each new engagement: being able to act now, for social ecological recognition and change.
Practices, Perceptions and Prospects for Climate Change Education in Africa
by Petra Molthan-Hill Marcellus Forh Mbah Ernest L. MoluaThis open access book presents peer-reviewed chapters that introduce the subject of climate change within formal and informal sectors of education in Africa, as key to building the capacity of current and future generations to address the most pressing global issue. An insight into existing practices, perceptions, and prospects for climate change education in Africa can bring to light relevant frameworks that can support a climate-resilient future in the continent. Among others, the book contends that there is a need to rethink current practices of climate change education in the continent by optimizing Indigenous knowledge systems and context-relevant pedagogies as important strategies. Governments, civil society, and other stakeholders in Africa can draw on the rich insights captured in this book as they consider feasible approaches to resolve the current climate crisis.
Practicing Health Geography: The African Context (Global Perspectives on Health Geography)
by Prestige Tatenda MakangaThis volume uniquely presents case studies on health geography in Africa, and analyzes health practices in different African regions to illustrate a unified perspective to the geographies of health. The book describes various contemporary and traditional themes that have characterized the discipline of health geography, and uses its 13 case studies across 14 chapters to challenge the perceived dichotomy between health geography and medical geography among health researchers and practitioners. In 3 sections, the book provides readers with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding health geography in Africa.The first chapter introduces the major theories and perspectives in health geography, and how these characteristics apply to health geography practices in Africa. Section 1 discusses the different uses of space-based analyses in health geography, including geo-data infrastructures, geographies of disease burden, spatial epidemiology, spatially precise public health, and spatial access to health. Section 2 discusses the different uses of place-based analyses in health geography, including health representation, healthcare access, food allergies, and health determinants. Section 3 addresses how geography is incorporated into decision processes in Africa, and how policy planning shapes health-related interventions at the population and individual level. The case studies here discuss geo-enabling health records, health policy, public health planning, and mobile health geographies.
Practicing Qualitative Methods in Health Geographies (Geographies of Health Series)
by Nancy E. Fenton Jamie BaxterHealth geographers are increasingly turning to a diverse range of interpretative methodologies to explore the complexities of health, illness, space and place to gain more comprehensive understandings of well-being and broader social models of health and health care. Drawing upon postmodernism, many health geographers are concerned with issues of representation, the body and health care policy. Also related to an emphasis on the body is the growing literature in feminist health geography that investigates the metaphorical, physical and emotional challenges of the body and disease. Reflecting these interests, the chapters in this book set out the host of creative qualitative methods being used to explore the psychosocial experiences of individuals more directly, using such traditional methods as in-depth interviews and group discussions, participant observation, diaries and discourse analysis, but also more novel techniques such as 'go-along interviews’, reflexive writing, illustrations, and photographic techniques. There are several areas of qualitative research unique to geographers which figure prominently in this volume including: health and place, comparative case study analysis, and qualitative approaches to the use of geographic information systems (GIS). This collection brings together a wide range of empirical concerns related to questions of health and shines a light on the diversity of qualitative methods in practice. Illustrating how qualitative methodologies are used in diverse health contexts this book fills an important niche for health geographers but will have wide appeal to health and geographic researchers.
Practising Cultural Geographies: Essays in Honour of Rana P. B. Singh (Advances in 21st Century Human Settlements)
by Bharat Dahiya Arun K. Singh Ravi S. Singh Padma C. PoudelThis festschrift honours Prof. Rana P.B. Singh who has dedicated his life to teaching and conducting research on cultural geography with a ‘dweller Indian perspective’. The book focuses on the cultural geographies of India, and to an extent that of South Asia. It is a rich collection of 23 essays on the themes apprised by him, covering landscapes, religion, heritage, pilgrimage and tourism, and human settlements.
Practising Empowerment in Post-Apartheid South Africa: Wine, Ethics and Development (Critical Food Studies)
by Agatha HermanDespite the promise and optimism surrounding the post-apartheid transition, South African society continues to be highly racialised in its discourses, identities and practices, even within the very strategies that aim to change power relations and heal racialised divisions. Renowned for its brutal past practices, the wine industry in South Africa has long been associated with white power and black exploitation, and remains dogged by continuing allegations of poor working conditions and labour abuses. Through in-depth, longitudinal fieldwork, this book considers how different ethics interact and draws attention to the positive changes and continuing development challenges faced in South Africa. Situating practice at its heart, it brings a novel, everyday and micro-scale dimension to understandings of empowerment in the post-apartheid South African wine industry. It develops a critical analysis of the interplay between practice, as scaled and inherently spatial, and discourse to conceptualise how 'big' concepts such as empowerment are articulated, materialised and experienced at the ground level. Through this, it gives voices to the marginalised who experience 'empowerment', setting these within the context of their relations with the other stakeholders who shape this engagement. This book contributes to broader critical social science debates around ethical development and questions of power and empowerment in development interventions. This is critical to reducing the disconnection between policy aims and realities within development and empowerment initiatives, as well as enabling (ethical) commodities to be strategic in retaining their appeal throughout their networks.
Practising Human Geography
by Joe Painter Philip Crang Paul J Cloke Christopher Philo Philo Ian Cook et al Mark A Goodwin′Filling an enormous gap in the geographic literature, here is a terrific book that shows us how to think about and practice human geographic research′ - Professor Jennifer Wolch, University of Southern California `Practising Human Geography lucidly, comprehensively, and sometimes passionately shows why methodology matters, and why it is often so hard. To choose a method is to choose the kind of geographical values one wants to uphold. You need to get it right.These authors do′ - Trevor Barnes, University of British Columbia `Practising Human Geography is a godsend for students. Written in an accessible and engaging style, the book demystifies the study of geographical methodology, offering a wealth of practical advice from the authors′ own research experience. This is not a manual of approved geographical techniques. It is a reflexive, critical and highly personal account, combining historical depth with up-to-the-minute examples of research in practice. Practising Human Geography is a comprehensive and theoretically informed introduction to the practices of fieldwork, data collection, interpretation and writing, enabling students to make sense of their own data and to develop a critical perspective on the existing literature. The book makes complicated ideas approachable through the effective use of case studies and a firm grasp of contemporary debates′ - Peter Jackson, Professor of Human Geography, University of Sheffield Practising Human Geography is a critical introduction to key issues in the practice of human geography, informed by the question ′how do geographers do research?′ In examining those methods and practices that are essential to doing geography, the text presents a theoretically-informed discussion of the construction and interpretation of geographical data - including: the use of core research methodologies; using official and non-official sources; and the interpretative role of the researcher. Framed by an overview of how ideas of practising human geography have changed, the twelve chapters offer a comprehensive and integrated overview of research methodologies. The text is illustrated throughout with text boxes, case studies, and definitions of key terms. Practising Human Geography will introduce geographers - from undergraduate to faculty - to the core issues that inform research design and practice.
Practising Wood in Architecture: Connecting Design, Construction and Sustainability
by James Benedict Brown Francesco CamilliIn the stark light of the climate emergency, using wood instead of concrete, steel, or masonry is increasingly seen as a way of reducing the environmental impact of architecture and construction. More and more new buildings are showcasing innovative ways to work with wood. Wood can help architects achieve ambitious sustainability targets, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.How can architects, student architects, and those in the construction industry better understand the qualities, characteristics, and possibilities of building with wood? Practising Wood in Architecture explores the methods, philosophies, and possibilities of contemporary teaching practices in architecture. This book explores how architecture students are learning to build with wood and interrogates the consequences for architectural practice.Based on original research conducted over two years, the book explores innovative projects that use wood in China, England, Finland, Germany, Mongolia, South Africa, and Switzerland. These case studies demonstrate the many advantages of wood, including its simplicity of use, its affordability, and its sustainability. The book focuses on ongoing initiatives that show the educational and professional impact of the use of wood in architecture and construction by students and professionals alike.
Pragmatic Justifications for the Sustainable City: Acting in the common place (Routledge Equity, Justice and the Sustainable City series)
by Meg HoldenWhat can justice and sustainability mean, pragmatically speaking, in today’s cities? Can justice be the basis on which the practices of city building rely? Can this recognition constitute sustainability in city building, from a pragmatic perspective? Today, we are faced with a mountain of reasons to lose hope in any prospect of moving closer to justice and sustainability from our present position in civilization. Pragmatic Justifications for the Sustainable City: Acting in the Common Place offers a critical and philosophical approach to revaluating the way in which we think and talk about the "sustainable city" to ensure that we neither lose the thread of our urban history, nor the means to live well amidst diversity of all kinds. By building and rebuilding better habits of urban thinking, this book promotes the reconstruction of moral thinking, paving the way for a new urban sustainability model of justice. Utilizing multidisciplinary case studies and building upon anti-foundationalist principles, this book offers a pragmatic interpretation of sustainable development concepts within our emerging global urban context and will be a valuable resource for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as academics and professionals in the areas of urban and planning policy, sociology, and urban and environmental geography.
Prairie
by Candace SavageThorough, detailed, and scientifically up-to-date, Prairies: A Natural History provides a comprehensive nontechnical guide to the biology and ecology of the prairies, or the Great Plains grasslands of North America, offering a view of the past, a vision for the future, and a clear focus on the present. With a total area of more than 3.5 million square kilometers (500,000 in Canada and the remainder in the United States), the prairies occupy the heartland of the continent, a vast, windswept plain that flows from Alberta south to Texas and from the Rockies east to the Mississippi River. This is big sky country-the largest ecosystem in North America and, until recently, one of the richest and most magnificent natural grasslands in the world. Today, however, the North American prairies are among the most altered environments on Earth.