This work updates a decade of environmental and political change. There is information on a wide range of issues that affect the well-being of the living planet, Gaia. A structured approach presents the problems, as well as what can be done towards prevention and a cure. "People as planet managers" is a new illlustrated chapter by OXFAM. It examines the environmental challenges faced by people in developing countries, and the efforts they are making to establish a sustainable future for themselves and their families. The chapters that follow on - "Land", "Ocean", "Elements", "Evolution", "Humankind", "Civilization" and "Management" are each introduced by a leading authority in their field. They highlight the book's global perspective and a holistic approach to planet health. This book sets out the agenda of the environmental movement to the year 2000 and beyond. This revised edition is published to coincide with the post-Rio Earth Summit "Global Forum" which took place in Manchester in June 1994. Dr Norman Myers is the author of "The Long African Day", "The Sinking Ark" and "The Gaia Atlas of Future Worlds". This work is published by Gaia Books and distributed throughout the UK by Oxfam.