Handbook on Environmental Quality

Environmental quality is a general term which can refer to varied characteristics that relate to the natural environment as well as the built environment, such as air and water purity, pollution, noise and the potential effects that they may have on physical and mental health. The natural environment is contrasted with the built environment, which comprises the areas and components that are strongly influenced by humans. A geographical area is regarded as a natural environment if the human impact on it is kept under a certain limited level. This book presents research on a wide variety of environmental concerns in today''s world. Included are chapters on renewable energy technology, water quality, recycling of electronic equipment, and corporate environmental commitment. The attitudes of university students toward environmental concerns are also discussed as well as a study that empirically examines local land use planning capacity for mitigating environmental hazards.