Environment

by Raven, Peter H; Berg, Linda R

• ISBN13: 9780471704386
• ISBN10: 0471704385
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-11-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

Raven's Environment, 5th Edition is a most accessible, yet detailed, environmental science text. The text provides numerous examples and opportunities for readers to explore issues at a local level. Covering the enormous environmental challenges facing our world today, the new fifth edition of The Environment helps readers think critically about these issues and understand the concepts that underlie environmental problems. Rather than telling readers what to think, the book provides the information and tools they need to reach their own conclusions. It offers solid scientific content balanced with effective and current examples of problems and solutions. * Introduces the reader to ecosystems, the physical environment, and Earth's biomes. * Examines the problems of overpopulation as well as environmental concerns such as air pollution and the pesticide dilemma. * Presents real-life case studies that offer in-depth analyses of actual situations. * Includes 'You Can Make a Difference' boxes in each chapter to help readers take an active role in improving the environment. * Offers additional information on a website devoted to further examining critical environmental issues that will help readers make environmentally responsible choices.

Author Biography

Peter H. Raven, one of the world's leading botanists, has dedicated more than three decades to conservation and biodiversity as Director of the Missouri botanical Garden in St. Louis, where he has cultivated a world-class institution of horticultural display, education, and research. Described by TIME magazine as "Hero for the Planet," Dr. Raven champions research around the world to preserve endangered species and is a leading advocate for conservation and sustainable environment.

Dr. Raven is Chair of the National Geographic Society's Committee for research and Exploration, Chair of the Division of Earth and Life Studies  of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. he is the Recipient of numerous prizes and awards, including the prestigious National Medal of Science in 2001, the highest award for scientific accomplishments in this country, Japan's International Prize for Biology, the Environmental Prize of the Institute de la Vie, the Volvo Environment Prize, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, and the Sasakawa Environment Prize. He also has held Guggenheim and MacArthur fellowships.

Dr.Raven received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles, after completing his undergraduate work at the University of California, Berkeley.

Linda R. Berg is an award-winning teacher and textbook author. She received a B.S. in science education, M./S. in botany, and Ph.D. in plant physiology from the University of Maryland. her research focused on the evolutionary implications of steroid biosynthetic pathways in various organisms. Her recent interests involve the Florida Everglades.

Dr. Berg taught at the University of Maryland-College Park, for 17 years, and is presently an Adjunct Professor at St. Petersburg College in Florida. She has taught introductory courses in environmental science, biology, and botany to thousands of students. At the University of Maryland, she received numerous teaching and service awards. Dr. Berg is also the recipient of many national and regional awards, including the National science Teachers Association Award for Innovations in College Teaching, the Nation's Capital Area Disabled Student Services Award, and the Washington Academy of Science Award in University Science Teaching.

During her career a a professional science writer, Dr. Berg has authored or coauthored several leading college science textbooks. Her writing reflects her teaching style and love of science.

Table of Contents

Introducing Environmental Science and Sustainability.

Environmental Laws, Economics, and Ethics.

Ecosystems and Energy.

Ecosystems and Living Organisms.

Ecosystems and the Physical Environment.

Major Ecosystems of the World.

Human Health and Environmental Toxicology.

Population Change.

The Problems of Overpopulation.

The Urban world.

Fossil Fuels.

Nuclear Energy.

Renewable Energy and Conservation.

Water: A Limited Resource.

Soils and Their Preservation.

Minerals: A Nonrenewable Resource.

Preserving Earth’s Biological Diversity.

Land Resources.

Food Resources: A Challenge for Agriculture.

Air Pollution.

Regional and Global Atmospheric Changes.

Water Pollution.

The Pesticide Dilemma.

Solid and Hazardous Wastes.

Tomorrow’s World.