Natural Resource Conflicts: From Blood Diamonds to Rainforest Destruction [2 volumes]

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Natural resource and environmental conflicts have long been issues confronting human societies. This case-based examination of a wide range of natural resource disputes exposes readers to many contemporary examples that offer reasons for both hope and concern. The Rwandan genocide, the Sudanese civil war, and perpetual instability in the Middle East and Africa: each of these crises have arguably been instigated and maintained by natural resource disputes. China has undertaken a Herculean task to plant hundreds of millions of trees along its margins in an effort to save Beijing from crippling dust storms and halt the expansion of the Gobi desert. Will it work, and is it worth it These and many other cases of conflict stemming from natural resource or environmental concerns are explained and debated in this up-to-date examination of contemporary and ongoing topics. The book examines conflicts over precious resources and minerals, such as diamonds, oil, water, and fisheries, as well as the pursuit of lesser-known minerals like Coltan and other "rare earth elements"important resources in our technological agein remote locations such as Greenland and the Congo. Each topic contains an overview and two position essays from different authors, thereby providing the reader with highly informative and balanced perspectives. Reference entries accompany each topic as well, helping students to better understand each issue. As the world hurtles into the 21st century, these natural resource issues are becoming increasingly important, with all global citizens having a significant stake in how these conflicts arise and play out.

Reviews

This is a good introduction to many of the resource conflicts that are likely to increase. * Booklist *
The reference set is intended for college geography or conflict study students and its overall value is found in its brief, basic examination of several types of natural resource and environmental conflicts from around the world accompanied by a debate of a central question. * ARBA *
This two-volume reference work edited by Burnett could easily serve as supplemental reading for a variety of classes in environmental or conservation science, human geography, or anthropology. . . . A carefully thought-out work, filled with critical issues critically addressed by a strong team of experts. Summing Up: Highly recommended. High school, community college, and undergraduate through graduate students. * Choice *

Author Bio

M. Troy Burnett, PhD, is associate professor of geography and earth sciences at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta.