Poses the question 'Will humans adapt their ways of life to conserve the natural systems on which their future and the living world depend?'

Science and technology, so vividly symbolized in the view from outer space, are fundamentally changing our traditional beliefs about human opportunities and limitations - and these changes are slowly being reflected in international policies and laws. If humanity today succeeds in establishing a sustainable relationship to Earth, a higher level of civilisation will have been achieved. This thought-provoking view will interest students and professionals in the science and politics of the environment.

Preface
Part I. Comprehending the Planet Earth: 1. Science and environment
2. Science and governance
3. Geosphere and biosphere
Part II. Developing a Planetary Paradigm: 4. Perspectives and priorities
5. Politics of environmentalism
6. Social and economic implications
Part III. An Emerging Planetary Policy: 7. Facing planetary realities
8. Shaping world institutions
9. Attaining the attainable
Postscript: between two worlds
References
Index.