Includes bibliographical references and index.

Environmental problems and their causes -- Brief history of resource use and conservation -- Matter and energy resources : types and concepts -- Ecosystems and how they work -- Atmosphere, climate, weather, and life -- Changes in populations, communities, and ecosystems -- Geologic processes : the dynamic earth -- Population dynamics and population regulation -- Population distribution : urban living -- Deforestation and loss of biodiversity -- Global warming and ozone loss : apocalypse soon? -- Soil resources -- Water resources -- Food resources -- Biodiversity : forests, rangelands, parks, and wilderness -- Wildlife resources and preserving biodiversity -- Perpetual and renewable energy resources -- Nonrenewable energy resources -- Nonrenewable mineral resources and solid waste -- Risk and human health -- Hazardous waste -- Air pollution -- Water pollution -- Pesticides and pest control -- Economics and environment -- Politics and environment -- Worldviews, ethics, and sustainability.