Includes bibliographical references (pages 245-274) and index.

The ascent of man -- Biodiversity -- Climate change -- Nitrogen -- Land use -- Freshwater -- Toxics -- Aerosols -- Ocean acidification -- Ozone layer -- Managing the planet. Lynas argues that we can sustain a world of nine billion at higher living standards than today, but only if we take a more scientific approach to recognizing the real ecological limits of Earth. And that means taking a clear-eyed, rational look at a host of issues such as organic farming, genetically engineered crops, and nuclear power.