Includes bibliographical references (pages 323-353) and index.

There is increasing concern over the unchecked growth of the worlds cities and the detrimental effect this is having on the worlds ecosystems. This unfettered growth is affecting every ecosystem on Earth, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains, through both climate change and the lack of food and other resources.

Trading village to global megalopolis : the origins and expansion of cities -- Communities responding to disasters and threats : vulnerable and resilient cities -- Foods, goods, materials and ornaments : the metabolism of cities -- Smoke, fumes, dust and smog : changing the atmosphere of cities -- Water from the hills, the ground, the sea, and the roof : towards integrated water resource management in cities -- Sanitation, sewage and mountains of trash : wastewater and garbage in cities -- Urban sounds and smells : the noisy, aromatic city -- Cities and a dynamic earth : urban changes to the land surface and responses to geophysical hazards -- Urban greenspaces : the tamed and wild nature in cities -- Urban sustainability : cities for future generations.

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