Contemporary Environmental Issues (Fifth Edition)

New Fifth Edition Now Available!Scientists say we are in a new stage of the Earth's history, the Anthropocene, when we humans have become the globe's principal agent of change. To begin a shift toward a "sustainable society," significant action is required now on a range of issues.

Fortunately, people are capable of changing their behaviors and values.

Often these changes stem from exposure to new information or experiences. Contemporary Environmental Issues exposes readers to the extent of our impact on the Earth's ecosystems, as well as the challenges we face in trying to strike a balance between development and conservation.

By exposing readers to such information and experiences, it develops a level of environmental literacy that is necessary for dealing with the challenges of the 21st century. Contemporary Environmental Issues presents a candid analysis of the major environmental issues the world currently faces and encourages students think about how the environment affects their lives and how their actions affect the environment. Available in print and eBook formats, Contemporary Environmental Issues: Covers arguably the most pressing issues we face: population growth (and food), energy, atmospheric pollution, ozone depletion, climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and water quantity and quality.

Presents the current state of scientific knowledge, yet, is written at a level that is digestible by the non-science major. Encourages Critical Thinking! Students are encouraged to find solutions to environmental problems using ethical, aesthetic, political, and cultural perspectives, in addition to basic science and economics.

Integrates up-to-date, thoroughly reviewed illustrations, diagrams, data, and references from some of the world's leading scientific journals.