Synopses & Reviews
Offering a more concise resource for environmental scientists, the seventh edition explores important environmental issues and shows how to apply this information on the job. It focuses on a systems approach, presenting a framework for thinking about environmental science. The recurring theme of global climate change as a system is integrated throughout the chapters, uncovering both the positive and negative roles that people play in that system. Environmental scientists will also benefit from the revised art program. New photos and illustrations help reinforce concepts and make the material come to life.
Table of Contents
Part 1. Humans in the Environment 1Interview: Lester Brown on the Environmental Revolution 2
Chapter 1. Our Changing Environment 4
Chapter 2. Solving Environmental Problems 20
Part 2. The World We Live In 37
Interview: George Woodwell on Global Ecology and the Human Factor 38
Chapter 3. Ecosystems and Energy 40
Chapter 4. Ecosystems and Living Things 58
Chapter 5. Ecosystems and the Physical Environment 75
Chapter 6. Major Ecosystems of the World 93
Chapter 7. Ecosystems, Economics, and Government 116
Part 3. A Crowded World 137
Interview: Anne & Paul Ehrlich on A Population Policy for the Super-Consumers 138
Chapter 8. Understanding Population Growth 140
Chapter 9. Facing the Problems of Overpopulation 157
Part 4. The Search for Energy 175
Interview: L. Hunter Lovins on Efficiency Technology: Less Energy, More Power 176
Chapter 10. Fossil Fuels 178
Chapter 11. Nuclear Energy 205
Chapter 12. Renewable Energy and Conservation. 232
Part 5. Our Precious Resources 261
Interview: Russell Train on Preserving Biological Diversity in the Developing World 262
Chapter 13. Water: A Fragile Resource 264
Chapter 14. Soils and Their Preservation 295
Chapter 15. Minerals: A Nonrenewable Resource 322
Chapter 16. Wildlife: Our Plant and Animal Resources 343
Chapter 17. Land Resources and Conservation 368
Chapter 18. Food Resources: A Challenge for Agriculture 393
Interview: Richard Mahoney on Delivering Biotechnology to Developing Nations 416
Part 6. Environmental Concerns 419
Interview: Frank Press on Transnational Cooperation in Environmental Science 420
Chapter 19. Air Pollution 422
Chapter 20. Global Changes 445
Chapter 21. Water and Soil Pollution 465
Chapter 22. The Pesticide Dilemma 493
Chapter 23. Solid and Hazardous Wastes 518
Part 7. Tomorrow's World 545
Interview: Jerry Greenfield on Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream: The Business of Social Responsibility 546
Chapter 24. Tomorrow's World 548
Satellite Photo Composite: Earth at Night 566
Glossary G-1
Appendix I: Review of Basic Chemistry A-1
Appendix II: How To Make A Difference A-4
Appendix III: Green Collar Professions A-10
Appendix IV: Units of Measure: Some Useful Conversions A-12
References R-1
Index I-1