Alecia M. Spooner 
Environmental Science For Dummies 

The easy way to score high in Environmental Science

Environmental science is a fascinating subject, but some
students have a hard time grasping the interrelationships of the
natural world and the role that humans play within the environment.
Presented in a straightforward format, 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.

Here, you get discussions of the earth’s natural resources and
the problems that arise when resources like air, water, and soil
are contaminated by manmade pollutants. Sustainability is also
examined, including the latest advancements in recycling and energy
production technology. Environmental Science For Dummies is
the most accessible book on the market for anyone who needs to get
a handle on the topic, whether you’re looking to supplement
classroom learning or simply interested in learning more about our
environment and the problems we face.

* Presents straightforward information on complex concepts

* Tracks to a typical introductory level Environmental Science
course

* Serves as an excellent supplement to classroom learning

If you’re enrolled in an introductory Environmental Science
course or studying for the AP Environmental Science exam, this
hands-on, friendly guide has you covered.

Table of Content

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

About the author

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.