An examination of the World's existing patterns and processes of development and their environmental impact confirms the urgent need for sustainable development. With population, resources, economics and environment inextricably linked, this introductory text examines the complex challenges presented by the goal of sustainable development at the local and global level. Areas covered include: * the challenges and opportunities for the developing world in the search for sustainable development * evidence of progress towards sustainability and the requirements for future change * the linkages between evolving ideas regarding development and the environment and actions undertaken at various scales * illustrations of the interaction of development processes across scales, sectors and more' and less' developed regions/nations * the structural and natural forces shaping the challenges and opportunities of sustainable development Recent developments and interventions in the field have made this revised and updated second edition of An Introduction to Sustainable Development particularly timely as the world rises to the challenge of determining the prospects of sustainable development in the future.