As the worlds resources continue to suffer from overuse and the effects of human activity, understanding the causes and effects of pollution is critical to preserving the land, water, and air that are vital to all life. As attention to the underlying problem has increased, so too has the spotlight shone on potential solutionsfrom recycling and sewage treatment plants to international agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol. This insightful volume explores the root causes of pollution, as well as the local and global responses and constantly emerging technologies that allow governments and ordinary citizens to effectively cope with an increasingly toxic world.