Environment [Paperback]

Peter H. Raven (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 16, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0470006307 | ISBN-13: 978-0470006306 | Edition: 2

Raven's "Environment, 5th Edition" is a most accessible, yet detailed, environmental science text. The text provides numerous examples and opportunities for readers to explore issues at a local level. Covering the enormous environmental challenges facing our world today, the new fifth edition of "The Environment" helps readers think critically about these issues and understand the concepts that underlie environmental problems. Rather than telling readers what to think, the book provides the information and tools they need to reach their own conclusions. It: offers solid scientific content balanced with effective and current examples of problems and solutions; introduces the reader to ecosystems, the physical environment, and Earth's biomes; examines the problems of overpopulation as well as environmental concerns such as air pollution and the pesticide dilemma; presents real-life case studies that offer in-depth analyses of actual situations; and includes 'You Can Make a Difference' boxes in each chapter to help readers take an active role in improving the environment. It also offers additional information on a website devoted to further examining critical environmental issues that will help readers make environmentally responsible choices.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Help is on the Web!

There is more to Environment, 4e by Raven and Berg than what you see in this text. An enhanced book-specific Web site will help you further examine critical environmental issues. The Web site offers a variety of activities to help you succeed in your course and additional tools that will help you make environmentally responsible choices.

Online resources include:

• Environmental Debates provide the opportunity to learn about two sides of a contentious issue affecting the environment.
• Activity Links identify the most useful Internet links related to the environment and present short exercises that invite you to use these links to increase your understanding of the material.
• Take a Stand activities encourage you to think critically and carefully weigh the short- and long-term advantages and disadvantages of a particular position relating to an environmental situation.
• Research Projects provide you with specific suggestions for topics, reading materials, research techniques, and activities.
• Case Studies highlight key issues in environmental science and lead you to related Web sites for further information.
• How to Make a Difference shows how to get involved in environmental issues and lists environmental organizations that you can join.
• Student Lounge offers valuable study tips and writing tips that will help you get a better grade.
• Quizzes and Essays test your understanding of each chapter with multiple-choice, true/false questions, and short-answer essay questions. You can email your answers and responses directly to your instructor.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Peter H. Raven, one of the world's leading botanists, has dedicated nearly three decades to conservation and biodiversity as Director of the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, where he has cultivated a world-class institution of horticultural display, education, and research. Described by Time magazine as "Hero for the Planet," Dr. Raven champions research around the world to preserve endangered species and is a leading advocate for conservation and a sustainable environment.

Dr. Raven is chair of the National Geographic Society's Committee for Research and Exploration and he is President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is the receipient of numerous prizes and awards, including Japan's International Prize for Biology, the Environmental Prize of the Institute de la Vie, the Volvo Environment Prize, the Tyler Prize for Environment Achievement, and the Sasakawa Environment Prize. He also has held Guggenheim and MacArthur fellowships.

Dr. Raven received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles, after completitng his undergraduate work at the University of California, Berkeley.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Wiley; 2 edition (January 16, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470006307
• ISBN-13: 978-0470006306
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book for Introduction to Environmental Science, March 17, 2007

By 

Frederick S. Goethel "wildcatcreekbooks" (Central Valley, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Environment, 4th Edition (Hardcover)

I was asked to evaluate ths for the textbook selection committee at a local high school for possible use as the text book for an environmental science class next year. Since my degree is in Environmental Science, and I have done a lot of work with environmental education, I have read a large number of environmental science books and have seen the good, bad and worst of books on the market.

At first I just planned to skim the book, but after reading a few pages I decided to look at the book more closely, and I was impressed with what I saw. The book is well written in clear, easy to understand language, using a good amount of well done graphs, charts and photos. The layout, in addition, was good, making the book flow in an orderly manner.

The information in the book was excellent, and covered the entire range, as much as is possible in one book, of environmental science. The biology and chemistry were integrated nicely and flowed smoothly.

I have rated this book as four stars only because I feel the authors didn't cover the section on renewable energy as well as I would have liked. The book tended to move through the subject rather quickly, offering only a limited view of what can be done to eliminate the use of fossil fuels. In all other ways this book was superior to many I have read.

I would highly recommend this for an introduction course in college, and also think it would bean excellent choice for a text at the AP or regular high school level, provided the students had enough science background to be able to understand the science. I even believe that a motivated home schooled student could study from this book and do quite well in the subject. Overall, one of the best introductory text books I've had the pleasure of reading.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Environment by John Allif, May 21, 2004

By 

Dr. Paulos Yohannes (Lawrenceville, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Environment, 4th Edition (Hardcover)

The thing that I like the most about this book is the way chemistry is incorporated into the sciences that relate to environment. It has all the basic chemistry skills required for one to be able to relate to environment at the introductory level.

The Appendix on Environmental Chemistry is very well presented. It has most of the concepts that one require in this course. It is written in short and to the point to avoid confusion, but with high clarity. That is what students appreciate. Students do not need to refer to other textbooks. The material includes all that a student need to understand the basic concepts of chemsitry as applied to environmental science.

The format is outstanding. It is best suited for students taking Environmental Science. It just delivers materials of basic interest with excellent problems and things to ponder sections. The illustrations are superb.

Students are often frustrated with voluminous information. They usually buy a book and are turned off and do not read it. They need concise and just the right stuff in it. This book has that quality. Students would love it and I am glad it is on the market.

It was a delight reading this study guide. Excellent job! It just does a good service to students.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Environment, July 15, 2010

By 

breeze - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Environment (Hardcover)

I thought I'd see more actual scientific information vs. political environmental agenda. I'm a little dissapointed in the book for this reason but as an intro science class book, it'll do. (save the planet!!) I didn't think I needed to pay to learn how to do this. There's enough free information out there for that.