CONTENT: 1 Fundamental Issues in Environmental Science B Big Question: Why is Science Necessary to Solve Environmental Problems? 1 2 Human Population Growth Big Question: Why is Human Population Growth the Underlying Environmental Problem? 19 3 Biogeochemical Cycles Big Question: Why are Biogeochemical Cycles Essential to Long Term Life on Earth? 36 4 Ecosystems Big Question: What is Necessary to Sustain Life on Earth? 57 5 Biological Diversity Big Question: Can We Save Endangered Species and Keep Biological Diversity High? 75 6 Restoration Ecology Big Question: Can We Restore Damaged Ecosystems? 96 7 Forests and Wildlife Big Question: Can We Have Forests and Wildlife and Use Them Too? 114 8 Environmental Health, Pollution, and Toxicology B Big Question: Why Are Even Very Small Amounts of Pollutants a Major Concern? 134 9 Agriculture and Environment Big Question: Can We Feed the World Without Destroying the Environment? 154 10 Energy and Environment Big Question: Can We Assure a Sustainable supply of energy ? 178 11 Water and Environment Big Question: Can We Maintain Our Water Resources for Future Generations? 210 12 Oceans and Environment B Big Question: Can We Learn to Manage the Oceans' Resources? 247 13 Earth's Atmosphere and Climate B Big Question: Global Warming is Mapper 3 What Part Do We Play? 267 14 Air Pollution and Environment Big Question: Why is Air Pollution in Cit' Such a Big Problem? 290 15 Minerals and Environment Big Question: Is It Possible to Use Nonre Mineral Resources Sustainability? / 318 16 Waste Management Big Question: Is Zero Waste Possible? 332 17 Natural Hazards Big Question: Why Are More of Them Becoming Disasters and Catastrophes? 351 18 Environmental Economics 374 19 Planning for a sustainable future 389