Customer Reviews

Environmental Science: Working with the Earth (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I began teaching with Miller's thicker text "living in the environment" but found that the main material was covered by this thinner and less expensive version. The graphics are helpful and the students enjoy reading the material as it is presented in an accessible and applicable fashion. The guest essays and case studies are from some of the top names speaking at conferences and so students are getting some really current views and information. Although there is not much of a lab book or teacher text-- there are plenty of other sources for field work and activity inspiration. The students also liked the website for activities and practice problems.

Be wary of any economics book that tries to teach you science. And avoid any science book that tries to teach you economics. I can only describe myself as speechless as I read chapter two, 'Environmental Economics, Politics, and Worldviews'. I would expect some coverage of the political and economic issues that surround environmental science, but Mr. Miller goes out of his way to present his political views as the One True Path and all other views as evil. There are no opposing points, no mention that other opinions might also have merit. His description of capitalism would be laughable if I and thousands of other college students around the world weren't being taught them in class.

On top of this, some web searches turn up other problems with this text. The book does not meet the 'Fairness and Accuracy' guidelines of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). Mr. Miller was criticized by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) for citing only references that supported his viewpoints (and even then, he didn't provide proper references). Another comment from 'The Textbook Letter' magazine describes this book as well as I could ever hope to "The [Miller] book is so insistent in promoting its worldview that it could serve as a model for education-with-indoctrination."

No matter your viewpoint, I think everyone can agree that purposeful bias is not something that is conducive to good learning. I would recommend avoiding this book and finding another less-biased text.

Miller stresses the intricate interrelationships with the Earth's environment. Vital issues like population growth and its impact on the environment are gone into. Here, there is perhaps cautious optimism. But only if we as a species moderate our growth rate (maybe even turn it negative!) and resource consumption.

There is a natural flow from this issue to a discussion about global warming. The scientific basis for concern is explained, and the evidence for warming presented. While not absolutely conclusive, it is seen as very strong. In fact, in the 5 years since the book came out, even more evidence has appeared to indicate a continuing and possibly accelerating trend. Miller also suggests several ways that global warming might be slowed.

The book exceeded expectations. It was shipped promptly. I would definitely recommend this seller.

I got my book about a week or so after I ordered it. However buying a used book for 1.99 which is normally alot more at the book store is so nice. Thank you.

Thyler Miller's books (I have 5 of them) are always the source of inspiration for me. I started reading his book when I took my Environmental Health Class for my Master's in Public Health.

The contents are clear, concise, correct, courtesy and full with critical thought that has facilitated my curiosity to know more and more ....

Start from the beginning, he has thrown so many insightful and philosophical statements. In most of his books, he is trying to show us his honesty and being genuine of trying to understand how various parts of the earth are connected. He mentioned that: "we all have an ethical obligation to act on always incomplete and usually controversial knowledge we have. We should not be mere toe-dippers, who refuse to jump into the dirty, difficult, uncertain, and challenging sea of life. I believe that my readers should see how I have struggled (for more than 27 years) as a questioner and learner and passionate doer - however imperfectly.

I just love the genuine expressions of his brilliant thoughts.


Julie Kiler, CA

What can I say? It's a textbook. It was the text assigned for the class, and it was everything I ever hoped and dreamt it would be. . .

I received the product in the condition stated and in a short time.

Environmental Science/Tenth Edition.Excellent condition. No highlighting, torn pages or other marks. Sealed CD (Interactive Concepts in Environmental Science) included with book.

The book was in great condition and the delivery was very quick even around the holidays.