Politically, the world is composed of states. Environmentally, the world is made up of ecosystems. This disconnection between ecological and political systems makes addressing environmental issues at the global level both more difficult and more necessary. This volume examines how we should set about addressing the problems that face the environment internationally. Elizabeth DeSombre explores four important approaches to the field: international environmental cooperation; the relationship between the environment and security; the issues of science, uncertainty and risk; and the role of non-state actors. She examines these approaches through case studies of specific problems facing the global environment, looking at ozone depletion and global climate change, the politics of whaling, the protection of Amazonian biodiversity, and acid rain in Europe and North America. To a large extent all environmental politics are global. The author argues that understanding what has led to successful protection of the global environment can give great insight into international relations theory more broadly.