Unnatural Disasters: Case Studies of Human-Induced Environmental Catastrophes

by Angus M. Gunn

This reference resource describes both the scientific background and the economic and social issues that resulted from environmental disasters resulting primarily from human activity. Categorized by the type of tragedy―including coal mine tragedies, dam failures, industrial explosions, and oil spills―this one-stop guide provides students with descriptions of some of the world's most tragic environmental disasters. Entries clearly describe each disaster by defining the cause, the consequences, and the clean-up efforts.

Readers will learn who the responsible parties were, the effect on the environment and people living in the immediate area, and the economic impact of each disaster. In addition, the long-term consequences, the likelihood of a repeat disaster in the same area, and the measures that have been taken to prevent a repeat incident are discussed. Entries include the Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion, the Exxon-Valdez oil spill, the atomic bomb at Hiroshima, and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jiovanni Palomino · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting

[Becki Basley · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one can say they love reading about disasters I guess, but I will say I wish when I was going through my MA program in Emergency management that I knew about this book. It would have been great to use it as source material for a few papers I had written.

[missy jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

On behalf of humankind: Earth, I am so, so sorry.