Bill Cunningham,
University of Minnesota Mary Ann Cunningham,
Vassar College Barbara Woodworth Saigo
ISBN: 0072439564 Copyright year: 2005
Feature Summary
The following features of Environmental Science, A Global Concern demonstrate why this is the most favored environmental science textbook.
Sustainability
An overarching theme in this book is sustainability: can we find ways to meet our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs? The concepts of inherent values, ethical rights, stewardship, and equity between generations and between people living under different conditions now all play important roles in our consideration of how natural resources should be managed. Consequently, ethics, philosophy and environmental worldviews are among the first topics discussed in this book.Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is another central theme in this book. Perhaps the most valuable skill any student can gain from the study of environmental science is the ability to think purposively, analytically, and clearly about evidence. To understand the complexity and conflicting interpretations of environmental problems, students need a number of skills. Reaching satisfactory conclusions about environmental dilemmas isn't just a matter of logic and rationality; we also need open-mindedness, skepticism, independence, and an ability to empathize with others. These skills are discussed in the introductory chapter of the book and then applied in boxed readings, case studies, and questions at the ends of each chapter. Balanced View
While acknowledging problems, the authors are also careful to describe good news, progress towards sustainability, and the many ways individuals can make positive contributions toward environmental protection. Because science is always conditional, and there can be many ways to interpret data, they present a balanced view that recognizes uncertainties and conflicting interpretations. At the same time, they stress that scientific consensus does emerge on major issues. It is essential that students understand the need for differing interpretations of evidence and also recognize the value of general agreement among scholars. Global Concern
An awareness of international events, population trends, health conditions, and environmental quality are essential for educated citizens. The coal burned in China, the nuclear waste dumped in the ocean by Russia, or the pesticides used on farms in Central America affects all of us. This text has set the standard in the market for incorporating a worldview of environmental issues into each chapter with discussions in the text, photos, examples used, boxed readings, and data. The "Beyond our Borders" case studies on the accompanying website support this global approach.Unique "How to Study" Chapter
The first chapter in this textbook provides information that most students need but that is rarely discussed in introductory texts: how to study, how to prepare for tests, critical thinking, concept maps, and why environmental science is exciting and important. This is the kind of information that most professors cover in the first lecture of a class. No other textbook goes into the depth on the fundamentals of critical thinking theory and application found here.Relevancy
More than any other text, Environmental Science: A Global Concern (and the accompanying website) is planned and written to be relevant to the student. A unique "How to Study" chapter begins the book by addressing student needs and expectations for the text and the subject. "What Can You Do?" boxes offer specific suggestions for ways that readers can individually affect various environmental concerns. "Ethical Considerations" are questions within many of the Case Studies that encourage students to consider the various perspectives that may be involved in the issue. The many global examples in the text help to set up a comparison between the reader's region and other areas of the world, and encourage students to relate to a much wider realm of people and cultural concerns. New "Key Concepts" passages review major points of sections within each chapter, and all together, serve as a great study tool. Practical "Web Exercises" at the end of each chapter teach students how to use the World Wide Web to research and analyze data as scientists do.Complete Package
From the comprehensive Online Learning Center (quizzing, case studies, study tools, interactive labs, and much more) to the Digital Content Manager (all the photos, line art, and tables from the text, over 400 additional photos, base maps, animations, movies, and custom PowerPoint lectures), the available supplements to this text are outstanding. You may choose the transparencies, the Instructor's Testing Resource CD, or both. You can package the text with the Interactive World Issues CD, Annual Editions, Exploring Environmental Science Using GIS lab manual, or perhaps all three! The possible combinations are many; check out the "Supplements" choice on the menu at left.
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2005 McGraw-Hill Higher Education