Investigating Our World examines four integrated areas of geographical investigation - fragile ecosystems, large cities, natural resources and productive activity - using in-depth case studies from around the world. The impact of rapid urban population growth, natural resource use and modern production processes have had a profound effect on the environment throughout the world. Students are shown that an understanding of the operation and fragile nature of ecosystems on a variety of scales enables a responsible management programme to be implemented, and that natural resources must be managed in the same way that productive activity is managed. This book has been written for the New South Wales geography syllabus, but will be of interest to secondary school students throughout the world.