A broad, interdisciplinary collection of essays written by prominent researchers. Surveys essential environmental issues in rural areas of the developed world using case-study material from the UK, USA and Sweden. Looks at the ecological implications of agriculture, land-use, energy, social change and politics, touching on such vital problems as industrial farming, counter-urbanization, the global commons and conflict resolutions in land-use. Emphasizes how planning regimes must be modified to take account of environmental imperatives.