In this remarkably interdisciplinary examination of the discourse of environmentalism, the authors explore the linguistic, philosophical, psychological and cultural-historical aspects of environmental discourse; rather than environmental phenomena themselves. This volume is not advocacy on environmentalism, rather, it is an analysis of the means of persuasion and the techniques of advocacy used by both sides of the environmental debate between `conservationists' and `conservatives'.

Designed for use by a broad audience, including teachers, school psychologists and those studying developmental and educational  psychology, this new set is uniquely focused on the student/teacher dynamic. Psychology of Classroom Learning explores the fundamental psychological aspects of learning — such as cognition, motivation and emotion — as well as the various individual and environmental factors at work in the classroom that influence students’ higher-order thinking and their ability to evaluate new information in the context of experience and existing knowledge.

• The only rigorous theory and applications book available
• Provides the principles of renewable energy flows/sources and energy conversion processes
• Details the significant expansion of the field since the publication of the previous editions

This book covers all aspects of renewable energy, from the processes on the sun and in the atmosphere that gives rise to solar radiation, wind, waves, evaporation and the precipitation, forests and plants, over the techniques for deriving energy for society from each of the natural energy flows, and to the economic environmental impacts of each of the natural energy flows, and to the economic and environmental impacts of using renewable energy. Along the way, auxiliary technologies for energy management and storage are introduced, in order to show how demand can be met at all times despite use of variable energy sources.

The UNEP Year Book 2008 (formerly the GEO Year Book) is the fifth annual report on the changing environment produced by the United Nations Environment Programme in collaboration with many world environmental experts. The UNEP Year Book 2008 highlights the increasing complexity and interconnections of climate change, ecosystem integrity, human well-being, and economic development. It examines the emergence and influence of economic mechanisms and market driven approaches for addressing environmental degradation. It describes recent research findings and policy decisions that affect our awareness of and response to changes in our global environment.
In three sections, the UNEP Year Book 2008 focuses on recent environmental events, developments, and scientific findings:

The Global Overview surveys the significant environmental events that gained prominence during 2007. Using graphs, charts, and photos with examples from regional experiences, the overview also tracks new scientific and policy developments on the environmental front.

The Feature Focus documents some of the creative efforts already working in markets and financial circles to fight the growing climate crisis. The section also examines patterns that are emerging after a decade of carbon market experimentation. Finally, it attempts to map the next important steps that will assist the transition to an
environmentally-sound economy.

The Emerging Challenge examines recent scientific findings on the role of arctic climate feedbacks. Release of methane from thawing permafrost and from hydrate deposits are amplifiying warming trends. The section emphasizes the urgent need for increased investments in climate and energy research, knowledge partnerships, and global political responses to meet these serious challenges.

The UNEP Year Book 2008 is essential, informative, and authoritative reading for anyone with a role or an interest in our changing environment.