Includes bibliographical references (pages 269-275) and index.

1980 -- Environmental challenges go global. A world of wounds ; Lost in Eden ; Pollution and climate change in a full world -- And the world responds. First attempt at global environmental governance ; Anatomy of failure -- Facing up to underlying causes. Ten drivers of environmental deterioration ; Globalization and the environment -- The transition to sustainability. Attacking the root causes ; Taking "good governance" seriously ; The most fundamental transition of all -- Resources for citizens. This book explains why twentieth century approaches to global environmental problems (such as climate change, deforestation, and water shortages) have not been successful. The author argues that dramatically different and far-reaching actions by citizens and governments are urgent in dealing with threats to the environment.--adapted from jacket.