Includes bibliographical references (pages 434-489) and index.

Introduction -- The human impact on vegetation -- Human influence on animals -- The human impact on the soil -- The human impact on the waters -- Human agency in geomorphology -- The human impact on climate and the atmosphere -- The future -- Conclusion. "The Human Impact on the Natural Environment has become the classic student text on bow human activity has changed and continues to change the face of the earth. The fifth edition maintains the structure of the previous editions as it examines the impacts that humans have had on all aspects of the environment. Areas covered include vegetation, animals, soils, water, landforms, the atmosphere, climate, and future implications, particularly global warming. The book also discusses the development of ideas on global change."--Jacket.