This book was originally published in 1991 when land degradation was becoming recognised as a key issue for world conservation as we approached the end of the twentieth century. The complex relationship between human development and the environment is explored in this book with a particular emphasis on the causes of land degradation processes. Having given a broad overview of what land degradation is and why it is occurring, Dr Barrow goes on to illustrate the problem in the context of different habitat types such as forest, woodland and drylands. The impact of human activities through global pollution and industrial and urban development, as well as conservation efforts, are discussed. Written as an introduction to the topic, this book provides a clear synthesis of ways of understanding the phenomenon of land degradation.