Featuring over 320 original articles by leading scholars, this encyclopedia captures the current knowledge of natural and anthropogenic changes in the physical, chemical, and biological systems and resources, and explores the effects of those on changes on human society. The clearly-written articles cover concepts of global change, earth and earth systems, human factors, resources, responses to global change, agreements and associations, institutions, policies, biographies and case studies. Enhanced by 1,500 charts, diagrams, and other illustrations, extensive cross-references, bibliographies and an index, the encyclopedia links essential knowledge across many fields, including geography, geology, geophysics, atmospheric science, political science, economics, technology, and others, in a resource that is accessible as it is authoritative. Available in print and as an e-reference text from Oxford's Digital Reference Shelf, It is an essential reference work for students, teachers, researchers, and other professionals seeking to understand any aspect of global change.