Something new under the sun : an environmental history of the twentieth-century world / J.R. McNeill.

Originally published: 2000.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Peculiarities of a prodigal century -- The lithosphere and pedosphere: the crust of the earth -- The atmosphere: urban history -- The atmosphere: regional and global history -- The hydrosphere: the history of water use and water pollution -- The hydrosphere: depletions, dams and diversions -- The biosphere: eat and be eaten -- The biosphere: forests, fish and invasions -- More people, bigger cities -- Fuels, tools, and economics -- Ideas and politics -- Epilogue: so what?

The history of the twentieth century is most often told through its world wars, the rise and fall of communism, or its economic upheavals. In his startling new book, J. R. McNeill gives us our first general account of what may prove to be the most significant dimension of the twentieth century: its environmental history. To a degree unprecedented in human history, we have refashioned the earth's air, water, and soil, and the biosphere of which we are a part. Based on exhaustive research, McNeill's story a compelling blend of anecdotes, data, and shrewd analysis never preaches: it is our definitive account