Written by leading Japanese scholars, this multi-volume series on modern Japanese economic history has been abridged and rewritten for a non-Japanese audience. It ranges from the time when a discernible consumer population began to form within cities, to the start of rapid industrialization.

Biofuels are expected to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, vitalizing economies in the agricultural communities and alleviating poverty. However, in spite of its anticipated benefits, international organizations such as the FAO, OECD and UN are expressing their concerns that biofuel promotion may lead to deforestation, water pollution and water shortage in their reports. The impacts of biofuel use are extensive, cross-sectoral and complex and therefore comprehensive analyses and assessments are required to achieve sustainable societies. With a view to conducting comprehensive...

This book summarizes studies on climate and ecosystem change adaptation and resilience in Africa (CECAR-Africa), a collaboration with the goal of creating an integrated resilience enhancement strategy as a potential model for semi-arid regions across Sub-Saharan Africa by combining climate change and ecosystem change research.