Synopsis Acid rain, global warming, the greenhouse effect, ozone holes, CFCs, radioactive wastes, water disinfectants, the Bhopal gas stragedy, carbon monoxide emissions, methane levels, flash fires, mercury poisonings..are all Hot Topics today. These dangers and threats are now very real and lived, many of them actualized for some parts of the world, and far closer to home than ever before. These critical issues are no longer matters of 'discussion' or mere academic interest. Our understanding of the environment and its degeneration due to industry and negligent resource (ab) use has undergone a tremendous change since the sixties when some of these phrases gained currency. A basic and simple understanding of the issues involved has escaped many of us who were schooled before 'ecology' and 'environment' appeared on school and University Syllabi. Those more familiar, yet not fully conversant, with these processes find ourselves equally stumped at deciphering and keeping abreast of ecological news and moves. Hot Topics demystifies the key concepts and processes in a simple style that will be accessible not only to technocrats, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, teachers, senior students and researchers, but also to every curious and concerned person seeking answers to basic questions that will enable an understanding of our wold and where it is headed.