What are the environmental realities behind the headlines? In this book, eight leading figures in science and government tackle the facts and look at the issues for the future. Whether it is global warming or industrial pollution, the spread of deserts or the extinction of species, everyone knows we are facing massive environmental problems. The complex questions of what science, technology, and human imagination can do to reverse damaging trends need to be explored. The lectures in this volume, organized by Linacre College within Oxford University, bring together diverse viewpoints and areas of expertise. The Secretary of State for the Environment, the Director of Kew Gardens, and a former head of the Met Office were among the speakers. After absorbing what all the lecturers had to say, some readers may feel more concerned than ever while other emerge somewhat reassured, but few will disagree that nothing could be more important than caring for our environment.