Dorrik A. V. Stow Editor in Chief, Association of Geoscientists for International Development ( AGID) AGID is particularly pleased to see published this latest hurricanes, floods-that are wreaking havoc, destroying report in its Geosciences in International Development livelihood and lives in some corner of the globe. Series, as a significant contribution to the onset of the UN As geoscientists there are perhaps three concerns that Decade of National Disaster Reduction, and as a mark of should be uppermost in our minds as we join an inter AGID's growing concern over the potential and actual national effort to combat the adverse effects of natural effects of geohazards throughout the developing world. hazards. The first must be to improve our scientific The problem of geohazards is increasing, not because understanding of the nature and causes of such hazards and to work towards more reliable prediction of their the rate of earth processes is accelerating, nor because the occurrence and magnitude.

A reference and sourcebook to the organizations involved in environmental and resource conservation in all parts of the world and to their activities. It describes over 2000 organizations and programmes in over 200 countries, providing access to sources of information, expertise and action. A user's guide identifies who is doing what in over 50 areas, such as air quality, environmental economics, toxic materials and wildlife. There are also regional overviews, detailed analyses of the UN system, over 250 intergovernmental agencies, over 400 international NGOs, and over 1500 national organizations with full country and area listings, plus indices, a glossary and a list of landmark events.

Coal Geology provides a complete integrated handbook on coal and all its properties, covering the physical and chemical properties of coal as well as coal petrology. It describes the age and occurence of coal; coal sampling and analysis; coal exploration; geophysics and hydrogeology of coal and coal mining techniques. It also discusses environmental concerns and computer technology, and includes an update on global coal reserves and production figures. First reference book to cover all aspects of coal geology in one volume Includes current thinking on environmental issues Presents a useful synopsis of the alternative uses of coal as a fuel Contains the distribution and reserves of coal deposits worldwide Offers a summary of the use of computing in coal studies, as well as coal sales and marketing opportunities Includes International Standards listings This up-to-date handbook successfully bridges the gap between academic aspects of coal geology and the practical role of geology in the coal industry and will be invaluable for all professionals and students in coal geology, geotechnical and mining engineering, and environmental science.