Includes bibliographical references and index.

"Natural Disasters in a Global Environment is a transnational, global and environmental history of natural and man-made disasters. Detailed case studies of past and present events are presented in a historical narrative, making use of the most recent scholarship. - Examines a range of disasters including volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, landslides, hurricanes, famines, and more - Highlights the role of science in studying natural disasters and describes the mechanisms responsible for them - Features a range of case studies which can be used in conjunction with one another or as standalone examples - Covers scientific material in a lucid and accessible style suited to undergraduate students or those outside of scientific disciplines - Traces the transition of our understanding of disasters, from religious and superstitious explanations to contemporary scientific accounts"--