Environmental Science For Dummies

Grasp fundamental concepts of environmental science Do you have a hard time grasping the interrelationships of the natural world and the role that humans play within the environment? Fear no more! Presented in a straightforward way, Environmental Science For Dummies gives you plain-English, easy-to-understand explanations of the concepts and material you'll encounter in your introductory-level course. Environmental Science 101 — understand key concepts and principles, like how to measure human impact with the ecological footprint and how to use the ecosystem as a unit of study What's the matter? — grasp the "stuff" that makes up all things — matter — and take a look at how atoms bond to form molecules Quench your thirst — find the 4-1-1 on the Earth's natural resources and understand why biodiversity is so important (and why it's in danger in many parts of the world) Take a deep breath — discover the dangerous substances or toxins that are present in the environment and how garbage and hazardous waste can be managed to reduce further damage Follow the recycled brick road — shift your perspective from human-centered to ecosystem-centered to make more sustainable choices Open the book and find: What energy is, how it works, and how it flows The pros and cons of alternative energy sources An exploration of the ecosystem A look at the Earth's natural resources How and why the climate is changing Effects of air and water pollution Ten simple ways to live more sustainably Potential careers in environmental science Learn to: Apply concepts of environmental science to your life Supplement classroom learning with confidence Explore issues surrounding natural resources and sustainability Understand how the choices you make impact the environment

Introduction 1 Part I: Demystifying Science and the Environment 7 Chapter 1: Investigating the Environment 9 Chapter 2: Lab Coats and Microscopes: Thinking Scientifically 19 Chapter 3: What′s the Matter? Living and Nonliving Material 31 Chapter 4: Making Things Happen: Energy 47 Part II: Planting the Seed: Foundational Concepts in Environmental Science 57 Chapter 5: Studying the Environment and Your Place in It 59 Chapter 6: Exploring Ecosystems 71 Chapter 7: Biogeography: How Earth′s Climate Shapes Global Ecosystem Patterns 89 Chapter 8: Playing Well with Others: Population Biology 107 Part III: Getting Your Needs Met: Earth′s Natural Resources 129 Chapter 9: Water, Water Everywhere: Freshwater Resources 131 Chapter 10: This Land Belongs to You and Me: Land as a Resource 143 Chapter 11: Dishing It Up: Food Resources 153 Chapter 12: Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts: Biodiversity 175 Chapter 13: Hitting the Hard Stuff: Geologic Resources and Energy 191 Chapter 14: Shifting Gears: Alternative Energy 207 Part IV: Giving a Hoot: Pollution and Environmental Quality 221 Chapter 15: Breathing Room: Addressing Manmade Air Pollution 223 Chapter 16: Drip Drop Splash: Water Pollution 237 Chapter 17: What′s Your Poison? Toxins and Infectious Disease 249 Chapter 18: A River of Garbage Runs through It: Solid and Hazardous Waste 263 Chapter 19: Is It Getting Warm in Here? Modern Climate Change 277 Part V: Follow the Recycled Brick Road: A Sustainable Future 295 Chapter 20: Building a Sustainable Future 297 Chapter 21: Cooperating to Sustain the Earth 311 Part VI: The Part of Tens 321 Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Live Sustainably 323 Chapter 23: Ten Real–Life Examples of the Tragedy of the Commons 331 Chapter 24: Ten Careers in Environmental Science 337 Index 343

Alecia M. Spooner teaches Earth and Environmental Sciences at a community college and enjoys developing active–learning science curriculums for adults. Alecia is also the author of Geology For Dummies .