Environmental Science: The Way the World Works

by Nebel, Bernard J.; Wright, Richard T.

• ISBN13: 9780130831347
• ISBN10: 0130831344
• Edition: 7th
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-07-01
• Publisher: Pearson College Div

Summary

Known for its currency and readability, this text focuses on enabling students to critically evaluate the latest environmental issues and to apply that understanding to situations and events in their everyday lives. It explores the interactions of humans within the natural environment and probes issues thoroughlyexamining their scientific basis, their history, and society's response. The authors discuss sustainable development and public policy in terms of how they shape the present and future.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Sustainability, Stewardship, and Sound Science	3	(20)
PART ONE Ecosystems and How They Work	23	(112)
Ecosystems: Units of Sustainability	25	(28)
Ecosystems: How They Work	53	(28)
Ecosystems: Populations and Succession	81	(26)
Ecosystems and Evolutionary Change	107	(28)
PART TWO The Human Population	135	(48)
The Human Population: Demographics	137	(26)
Addressing the Population Problem	163	(20)
PART THREE Renewable Resources	183	(124)
Soil and the Soil Ecosystem	185	(24)
Water: Hydrologic Cycle and Human Use	209	(28)
The Production and Distribution of Food	237	(22)
Wild Species: Biodiversity and Protection	259	(22)
Ecosystems as Resources	281	(26)
PART FOUR Energy	307	(74)
Energy from Fossil Fuels	309	(24)
Nuclear Power: Promise and Problems	333	(24)
Renewable Energy	357	(24)
PART FIVE Pollution and Prevention	381	(172)
Environmental Hazards and Human Health	383	(24)
Pests and Pest Control	407	(24)
Water: Pollution and Prevention	431	(26)
Municipal Solid Waste: Disposal and Recovery	457	(18)
Hazardous Chemicals: Pollution and Prevention	475	(24)
The Atmosphere: Climate, Climate Change, and Ozone Depletion	499	(26)
Atmospheric Pollution	525	(28)
PART SIX Toward a Sustainable Future	553	(47)
Economics, Public Policy, and the Environment	555	(22)
Sustainable Communities and Lifestyles	577	(23)
ABC Video Case Studies, Volumes IV	600	(5)
Appendix A---Environmental Organizations	605	(2)
Appendix B---Units of Measure	607	(2)
Appendix C---Some Basic Chemical Concepts	609	(6)
Bibliography and Additional Reading	615	(14)
Glossary	629	(20)
Photo Credits	649	(2)
Index	651