Mountain World in Danger : Climate Change in the Mountains and Forests of Europe

London

1991

196 S.

zahlr. Abb., Tab., Lit. Ang.

Monographie

1-85383-118-2

12918

92090

Air pollution in different forms has been described as the most serious threat to our environment. Lakes and soils have become acidified. Forests are damaged over vast areas. Serious warnings are given about climate changes and the greenhouse effect. We are dealing with complex chemical stress factors causing widespread disturbances in ecosystems. There is concern that a continuation of recent trends will lead to most undesirable consequences. The problem is international, even if each local situation is different. Strategies to combat undesirable impacts must be set in the international arena because air pollution crosses boundaries, as does trade in raw materials for processing. Intensive and special attention is being paid to the increasing concentrations of gases such as carbon dioxide, methance, freons and nitrous oxide in the global atmosphere. But studies are not enough; there must be long-term energy policies in which the control of air pollution and environmental protection plays a most important role. Decision-makers should adapt to the risks inherent in the management of environmental issues. The public must be educated about the consequences of climate and inappropriate behaviour. The purpose of this book is to produce a view of possible future interrelationships between climate change and forests in the high mountains of Europe, the complexities and the necessary strategies and actions in response to changes. Even if awareness and knowledge about the possible negative effects of air pollution have improved in recent years, the messages of this book should be inserted into the process of global environment protection. We have to establish an efficient and effective exchange of knowledge between politics, industry and science. This is surely the common responsibility in international co-operation.