Includes glossary and index.

Contents: Part 1: Ecosystems: units of the natural world -- Ecosystems: what they are -- Ecosystems: how they work -- Ecosystems: how they change -- Part 2: The human population: The human population -- Population and development -- Part 3: Renewable resources: Water: hydrologic cycle and human use -- Soil: foundation for land ecosystems -- the production and distribution of food -- wild species and biodiversity -- Ecosystem capital: use and restoration -- Part 4: Energy: Energy from fossil fuels -- Energy from nuclear power -- Renewable energy -- Part 5: Pollution and prevention: Environmental hazards and human health -- Pests and pest control -- Water pollution and its prevention -- Municipal solid waste: disposal and recovery -- Hazardous chemicals: pollution and prevention -- The atmosphere: climate,climate change and ozone depletion -- Atmospheric pollution -- Part 6: Towards a sustainable future: Economics,public policy and the environment -- Sustainable communities and lifestyles.