Environment

Jay Withgott has authored Environment: The Science Behind the Stories as well as its brief version, Essential Environment, since their inception. In dedicating himself to these books, he works to keep abreast of a diverse and rapidly changing field and continually seeks to develop new and better ways to help today's students learn environmental science. As a researcher, Jay has published scientific papers in ecology, evolution, animal behavior, and conservation biology in journals ranging from Evolution to Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. As an instructor, he has taught university lab courses in ecology and other disciplines. As a science writer, he has authored articles for numerous journals and magazines including Science, New Scientist, BioScience, Smithsonian, and Natural History. By combining his scientific training with prior experience as a newspaper reporter and editor, he strives to make science accessible and engaging for general audiences. Jay holds degrees from Yale University, the University of Arkansas, and the University of Arizona. Jay lives with his wife, biologist Susan Masta, in Portland, Oregon. Matthew Laposata is a professor of environmental science at Kennesaw State University (KSU). He holds a bachelor's degree in biology education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a master's degree in biology from Bowling Green State University, and a doctorate in ecology from The Pennsylvania State University. Matt is the coordinator of KSU's two-semester general education science sequence titled Science, Society, and the Environment, which enrolls roughly 6000 students per year. He focuses exclusively on introductory environmental science courses and has enjoyed teaching and interacting with thousands of students during his nearly two decades in higher education. He is an active scholar in environmental science education and has received grants from state, federal, and private sources to develop innovative curricular materials. His scholarly work has received numerous awards, including the Georgia Board of Regents' highest award for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Matt resides in suburban Atlanta with his wife, Lisa, and children, Lauren, Cameron, and Saffron.

1. Science and Sustainability

Our Island, Earth

Environmental Science

The Nature of Science

Seeking a Sustainable Future




2. Earth's Physical Systems

Matter, Chemistry, and the Environment

Energy: An Introduction

Geology: The Physical Basis for Environmental Science

Geologic and Natural Hazards




3. Evolution and Population Ecology

Evolution: The Source of Earth's Biodiversity

Ecology and the Organism

Population Ecology

Conserving Biodiversity




4. Species Interactions and Community Ecology

Species Interactions

Ecological Communities

Earth's Biomes




5. Environmental Systems and Ecosystem Ecology

Earth's Environmental Systems

Ecosystems

Biogeochemical Cycles




6. Ethics, Economics, and Sustainable Development

Environmental Ethics

Economics and the Environment

Sustainable Development




7. Environmental Policy

Environmental Policy: An Overview

U.S. Environmental Law and Policy

International Environmental Policy

Approaches to Environmental Policy




8. Human Population

Our World at Nearly 8 Billion

Demography

Population and Society




9. The Underpinnings of Agriculture

Resources and Services for Agriculture

Soil: A Foundation of Agriculture

Water for Agriculture

Nutrients for Plants

Pollination for Farming

Preserving Genetic Diversity

Conserving Soil and Land Resources




10. Making Agriculture Sustainable

The Race to Feed the World

Raising Animals for Food

Controlling Pests and Weeds

Genetically Modified Food

Organic Agriculture

Sustainable Food Production




11. Biodiversity and Its Conservation

Life's Diversity on Earth

Benefits of Biodiversity

Biodiversity Loss and Extinction

Conservation Biology: The Search for Solutions




12.Forests, Forest Management, and Protected Areas

Forest Ecosystems and Forest Resources

Forest Loss

Forest Management

Parks and Protected Areas




13. The Urban Environment

Our Urbanizing World

Sprawl

Creating Livable Cities

Urban Sustainability




14. Environmental Health and Toxicology

Environmental Health

Toxic Substances and Their Effects on Organisms

Toxic Substances and Their Effects on Ecosystems

Studying Effects of Hazards

Risk Assessment and Risk Management

Philosophical and Policy Approaches




15. Freshwater Systems and Resources

Freshwater Systems

Human Activities Affect Waterways

Solutions to Depletion of Fresh Water

Freshwater Pollution and Its Control




16. Marine and Coastal Systems and Resources

The Oceans

Marine and Coastal Ecosystems

Marine Pollution

Emptying the Oceans

Marine Conservation




17. The Atmosphere, Air Quality, and Air Pollution Control

The Atmosphere

Outdoor Air Quality

Ozone Depletion and Recovery

Addressing Acid Deposition

Indoor Air Quality




18. Global Climate Change

Our Dynamic Climate

Studying Climate Change

Impacts of Climate Change

Responding to Climate Change




19. Fossil Fuels and Energy Efficiency

Sources of Energy

Fossil Fuels: Their Formation, Extraction, and Use

Reaching Further for Fossil Fuels

Addressing Impacts of Fossil Fuel Use

Energy Efficiency and Conservation




20. Conventional Energy Alternatives

Alternatives to Fossil Fuels

Nuclear Power

Bioenergy

Hydroelectric Power




21. New Renewable Energy Sources

Shifting to Renewable Energy

Solar Energy

Wind Power

Geothermal Energy

Ocean Energy Sources

Energy Storage




22. Managing Our Waste

Approaches to Waste Management

Municipal Solid Waste

Industrial Solid Waste

Hazardous Waste




23. Minerals and Mining

Earth's Mineral Resources

Mining Methods and Their Impacts

Toward Sustainable Mineral Use