本书以历史的、经济的和全球的观点，从多角度分析了当今的环境问题。全书分为社会背景中的环境科学、生态学原理及其应用、能源、资源管理、污染与政策五部分。内容不仅涉及科学和技术领域，而且涉及与之相关的伦理、道德问题。

本书配有大量的图表和照片，内容丰富生动，数据翔实。在每章开始均给出学习目标、概要，使学生对将要学习的内容、环境问题的发展先有宏观的了解。各章后给出简要总结、问题分析案例、关键术语及复习思考题，并列出相关因特网址，供读者进一步学习利用。

本书可作为高等院校各专业环境科学课程的教材，也可供对环境保护感兴趣的读者阅读。

PART I  Environmental Science in a Social Context 2

     CHAPTER 1  Environmental Interrelationships 4

     CHAPTER 2  Environmental Ethics 19

     CHAPTER 3  Risk and Cost: Elements of Decision Making 38

PART II Ecological Principles and Their Application 60

      CHAPTER 4  Interrelated Scientific Principles: Matter, Energy, and Environm

      CHAPTER 5  Interactions: Environments and Organisms 78

     CHAPTER 6  Kinds of Ecosystems and Communities 104

     CHAPTER 7  Population Principles 131

     CHAPTER 8  Human Population Issues 148

PART III Energy 168

     CHAPTER 9  Energy and Civilization: Patterns of Consumption 170

        CHAPTER 10 Energy Sources 186

     CHAPTER 11  Nuclear Energy: Benefits and Risks 220

PART IV Resource Management 244

      CHAPTER 12 Biodiversity Issues 246

        CHAPTER 13 Land-Use Planning 280

        CHAPTER 14 Soil and Its Uses 305

     CHAPTER 15  Agricultural Methods and Pest Management 329

      CHAPTER 16  Water Management 352

PART V Pollution and Policy 386

      CHAPTER 17 Air Quality Issues 388

     CHAPTER 18  Solid Waste Management and Disposal 419

      CHAPTER 19  Regulating Hazardous Materials 435

     CHAPTER 20  Environmental Policy and Decision Making 452

        glossary G- 1

        credits C-1

        index I- 1