The ever-increasing human population creates an open-ended demand for biophysical resources. Until recently these resources were assumed to be endlessly available, but by the 1970s it was apparent that the rate of resource consumption had already created many shortages and price increases.

Resources, Society and Environmental Management is intended to develop the reader's understanding of society's need for resources, and how the use and allocation of these can lead to resource depletion.

The authors cover the theories, concepts and ideas associated with each of the main resource categories. They draw on examples, many of which are based on first-hand experience, of resource use, conflict and management from throughout the contemporary world. A unique feature of the book is the inclusion of environmental hazards: managing the effect of hazardous events on society often consumes a disproportionate amount of resources. The particular problems of resource-deficient Third World countries are also given special consideration. The authors also consider resource management, and the politics of resource use. The book is extensively referenced with up-to-date specialist reading material and substantiated with tabular data.