Presents a comprehensive view of the urban ecosystem by introducing drivers, patterns, processes and effects of human settlement and the relationships between humans and other animals, plants, ecosystem processes, and abiotic conditions.

"From Love Canal to the present day, no topic has cast a longer shadow across the American environmental landscape than the Superfund program and the challenge of cleaning up toxic waste sites. "Reclaiming the Land" covers the full range of Superfund issues with both historical perspective and a dynamic set of forward-looking reform proposals. It is essential reading for anyone and everyone in the environmental arena." - Daniel C. Esty, Professor, Yale University."This book represents the most comprehensive critical analysis of how the Superfund program can remain a relevant and meaningful part of this nation's environmental arsenal. Rather than maintaining the status quo, adapting to the changed conditions in which this vital statute is implemented now and in the future is the only logical way to proceed. We owe it to the communities this law was designed to protect to seriously consider these recommendations." - Elliott P. Laws, Counsel, Pillsbury Winthrop and Former Assistant Administrator, Solid Waste and Emergency Response, United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Introduction.- Section I Urbanization and Human Domination of Earth.- Section II Conceptual Foundations of Urban Ecology.- Section III The Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, and Pedosphere.- Section IV The Biosphere.- Section V The Anthroposhere: Human Dimensions.- Section VI The Anthroposphere: Planning and Policy.