Introduction to Environmental Science, Third Edition

In 2025, this textbook was revised under a Continuous Improvement Grant. This revision focused on four main changes:
1. Update data, enhance relevance, and expand content: revise all chapters with updated data, functional links, and new sections.
2. Feedback-based revision and content enhancement: integrate student feedback from spring 2024 and spring 2025 to improve clarity, visuals, and end-of-chapter resources.
3. Enhance learning through strategic questioning: add review questions and in-text questions to promote active engagement and critical thinking.
4. Achieve consistency in formatting and content: standardize formatting, terminology, and chapter structure.

Authors' Description:
This course uses the basic principles of biology and earth science as a context for understanding environmental policies and resource management practices. Our planet is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, from oil spills to global climate change. In ENSC 1000, you will learn about the science behind these problems; preparing you to make an informed, invaluable contribution to Earth’s future. I hope that each of you is engaged by the material presented and participates fully in the search for, acquisition of, and sharing of information within our class.