This book investigates the multifaceted environmental challenges confronting global urban centers and proposes potential solutions through empirical examination. Richard J. Gilbert, drawing on his expertise in urban studies and environmental policy, analyzes critical issues such as pervasive air and soil pollution, the strains of overcrowding, inadequate sanitation systems, and the escalating problem of waste management. The work is structured around 18 detailed case studies drawn from diverse geographical locations, offering a comparative perspective on urban environmental sustainability.

The book offers a comprehensive overview of urban environmental challenges, utilizing a case-study approach to illustrate global issues. Its focus on practical problems and their real-world manifestations suggests a text aimed at policymakers, urban planners, and students of environmental science. The inclusion of diverse case studies likely provides a broad yet detailed perspective on the complexities of sustainable urban development.