Includes bibliographical references and index.

Interconnections: Cross-listed selections for chapters in part one, Concepts and case studies -- Why environmental studies? -- The design and use of this book -- Overture: Nature and human perception. Martin Buber, "I contemplate a tree" in I and thou (1923) / translated by Walter Kaufmann -- pt. 1: Concepts and case studies. Climate shock ; Species in danger: three case studies ; Nuclear power: Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and the future ; Biotechnology and genetically manipulated organisms: Bt corn and the Monarch butterfly ; The paradox of sustainable development ; Deforestation ; War and peace: security at stake ; Globalization Is environmental ; What Is wilderness and do we need it? ; The urban environment: Calcutta and Los Angeles -- pt. 2: Foundational disciplines and topics I. Biological interactions. Keystone essay: Thomas Berry, from "The ecozoic era" (1997). Biodiversity and conservation biology ; Soil and agriculture ; Air and water ; Energy ; Toxicology -- II. Human dimensions. Keystone essay: Rachel Carson, from "The real world around us" (1954). The inner life ; Ethics, philosophy, gender ; Poetry ; History and the environment ; Nature writing -- III. Social connections. Keystone essay: William O. Douglas, Dissenting opinion in Sierra Club v. Morton (Mineral King), U.S. Supreme Court (1972). Politics and public policy ; Law and environmental justice ; Economics ; Human population ; Anthropology -- Coda. Conviction and action.

"This major anthology is the first to apply a fully interdisciplinary approach to environmental studies. A comprehensive guide to environmental literacy, the book demonstrates how the sciences, social sciences, and humanities all contribute to understanding our interrelationships with the natural world. Though not specialized, Environment is a book that even specialists can learn from." "Ten innovative case studies - climate shock, species endangerment, nuclear power, biotechnology, sustainable development, deforestation, environmental security, globalization, wilderness, and the urban environment - are followed by readings from specific disciplines. These can be integrated with the case studies to shape individual interests and teaching strategies. The volume presents an imaginative array of texts, from scientific papers to poetry, legal decisions to historical accounts, personal essays to economic analyses. Taken together, these selections provide a balanced, authoritative, and up-to-date treatment of key issues in environmental studies."--Jacket. A comprehensive guide to environmental literacy. It demonstrates how the sciences, social sciences, and humanities contribute to understanding our interrelationships with the natural world. It presents an imaginative array of texts, from scientific papers to poetry, legal decisions to historical accounts, personal essays to economic analysis.

College of Arts and Sciences