Published by Pearson (March 24, 2025) © 2025
Jay Withgott | Matthew LaposataProduct Information
Engage students in seeing the data, connections, and solutions behind environmental issues
Environment: The Science behind the Stories is known for its student-friendly narrative style, its integration of real stories and case studies, and its presentation of the latest science and research. With the 7th Edition, engaging new features open students' eyes to environmental issues, making it easy for them to see the data with new infographic-style illustrations, see the connections between the case studies and their own lives with new local connections activities, and see potential solutions with new success stories features. The new edition provides new levels of integration between the text, Mastering, and Pearson eText with digital components built into every hallmark feature, giving students seamless access to the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Reach every student with Mastering Environmental Science
Mastering™ is the teaching and learning platform that empowers you to reach every student. By combining trusted author content with digital tools developed to engage students and emulate the office-hour experience, Mastering personalizes learning and improves results for each student. Mastering Environmental Science extends learning and provides students with a platform to practice, learn, and apply knowledge outside of the classroom.
1. Science and Sustainability
- Our Island, Earth
- Environmental Science
- The Nature of Science
- Seeking a Sustainable Future
2. Earth's Physical Systems
- Matter, Chemistry, and the Environment
- Energy: An Introduction
- Geology: The Physical Basis for Environmental Science
- Geologic and Natural Hazards
3. Evolution and Population Ecology
- Evolution: The Source of Earth's Biodiversity
- Ecology and the Organism
- Population Ecology
- Conserving Biodiversity
4. Species Interactions and Community Ecology
- Species Interactions
- Ecological Communities
- Earth's Biomes
5. Environmental Systems and Ecosystem Ecology
- Earth's Environmental Systems
- Ecosystems
- Biogeochemical Cycles
6. Ethics, Economics, and Sustainable Development
- Environmental Ethics
- Economics and the Environment
- Sustainable Development
7. Environmental Policy
- Environmental Policy: An Overview
- U.S. Environmental Law and Policy
- International Environmental Policy
- Approaches to Environmental Policy
8. Human Population
- Our World at Nearly 8 Billion
- Demography
- Population and Society
9. The Underpinnings of Agriculture
- Resources and Services for Agriculture
- Soil: A Foundation of Agriculture
- Water for Agriculture
- Nutrients for Plants
- Pollination for Farming
- Preserving Genetic Diversity
- Conserving Soil and Land Resources
10. Making Agriculture Sustainable
- The Race to Feed the World
- Raising Animals for Food
- Controlling Pests and Weeds
- Genetically Modified Food
- Organic Agriculture
- Sustainable Food Production
11. Biodiversity and Its Conservation
- Life's Diversity on Earth
- Benefits of Biodiversity
- Biodiversity Loss and Extinction
- Conservation Biology: The Search for Solutions
12. Forests, Forest Management, and Protected Areas
- Forest Ecosystems and Forest Resources
- Forest Loss
- Forest Management
- Parks and Protected Areas
13. The Urban Environment
- Our Urbanizing World
- Sprawl
- Creating Livable Cities
- Urban Sustainability
14. Environmental Health and Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Toxic Substances and Their Effects on Organisms
- Toxic Substances and Their Effects on Ecosystems
- Studying Effects of Hazards
- Risk Assessment and Risk Management
- Philosophical and Policy Approaches
15. Freshwater Systems and Resources
- Freshwater Systems
- Human Activities Affect Waterways
- Solutions to Depletion of Fresh Water
- Freshwater Pollution and Its Control
16. Marine and Coastal Systems and Resources
- The Oceans
- Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
- Marine Pollution
- Emptying the Oceans
- Marine Conservation
17. The Atmosphere, Air Quality, and Air Pollution Control
- The Atmosphere
- Outdoor Air Quality
- Ozone Depletion and Recovery
- Addressing Acid Deposition
- Indoor Air Quality
18. Global Climate Change
- Our Dynamic Climate
- Studying Climate Change
- Impacts of Climate Change
- Responding to Climate Change
19. Fossil Fuels and Energy Efficiency
- Sources of Energy
- Fossil Fuels: Their Formation, Extraction, and Use
- Reaching Further for Fossil Fuels
- Addressing Impacts of Fossil Fuel Use
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation
20. Conventional Energy Alternatives
- Alternatives to Fossil Fuels
- Nuclear Power
- Bioenergy
- Hydroelectric Power
21. New Renewable Energy Sources
- Shifting to Renewable Energy
- Solar Energy
- Wind Power
- Geothermal Energy
- Ocean Energy Sources
- Energy Storage
22. Managing Our Waste
- Approaches to Waste Management
- Municipal Solid Waste
- Industrial Solid Waste
- Hazardous Waste
23. Minerals and Mining
- Earth's Mineral Resources
- Mining Methods and Their Impacts
- Toward Sustainable Mineral Use