Environment: Ours to Save

Life on Earth can be viewed as a complex network of interactions between living organisms and their respective environments. By parsing the natural world into various ecosystems and biomes, the extent and significance of such interaction among species and between organisms and their natural habitats becomes abundantly clear. The study of ecology forms the heart of this engaging volume, which explores the formation of ecological communities and examines the biological diversity that forms the backbone of life on the planet.

Even though a growing number of people have begun to consider the impact of their actions on the environment, the planet remains vulnerable to human activity and the byproducts of modern conveniences. Thanks to an increasing number of conservation efforts, the planet's ecosystems may emerge from the looming shadow of ecological threats. This stimulating volume examines the various individual-level and institutional responses to Earth's damaged natural resources, discussing ways to stem the tide of disappearing species and habitats and examining potential methods of protecting the planet for future generations.

Even as environmental consciousness and "green" habits become increasingly embedded with numerous individuals, many of the planet's natural resources and species remain in danger. On a global scale, effectively protecting the environment requires top-down solutions from political and economic structures and the incorporation of environmentalist initiatives into legislative and legal action. This intuitive volume examines the emergence of the environmental movement and the basic principles of environmental law. It also takes a close look at the causes of and governmental responses to species endangerment. Maps, annotated illustrations, and sidebars support the riveting narrative.

Global warming, often a source of much politicization and debate, has recast international dialogue with respect to environmental responsibility and activism. While it is generally agreed that global warming can be attributed to human activity, solutions to this phenomenon are unclear and vary with each country. This thought-provoking volume examines the science behind the greenhouse effect, identifies the human role in and response to climate change, and explores the various effects of this worldwide phenomenon.

Although industrialization and modernization have dramatically improved the quality of our lives, they have also largely contributed to the destruction of our natural resources by engendering waste and creating depletion through overuse. As the world's population continues to grow and consume, litter, chemicals, and a host of other harmful products overrun our land, air, and water. This intriguing volume examines the various pollutants and human activities that threaten the natural world, with a special look at deforestation and desertification.