Customer Reviews (22)

good value
This book was in great condition . I purchased it as a text book for my daughter and saved a bundle instead of purchasing it new. The condition was better than expected. The pages were like new with just a couple of frayed spots on the edge of the hard cover.

A++ for the shipper!!
I have to give KUDOS to the company that shipped this book to me within a couple of days.

Not only was the book in great condition (as described), but this was one of the fastest transactions I have experienced in all my years with Amazon.

This rating is based entirely on the service provided from your company (as it should be).The contents of the text is beyond your control since you did not write the book; only SUPPLIED IT.

A text book supplier should not be graded upon what the book's author has written...that is an overkilling of the messenger and has no relevance whatsoever.

With that said, I am sure we will do a lot more business and keep up the good work!!!

Many thanks!!

~ Flashdeziner

Belltowerbooks to be commended
I was 100% satisfied with my purchase. I thought the price was reasonable, and so was the delivery. The book was in great shape! I would definitely buy another book from Belltowerbooks.

fair enough
The book took a little longer than expected to arrive but within specified time. (over a week). The book had yellow highlites in it which I rather liked.

Great Product
Got exactly what I paid for and in a speedy manner. Wonderful transaction.... ... Read more

Product Description

A Perfect Plan for the Perfect Score

We want you to succeed on your AP* exam. That's why we've created this 5-step plan to help you study more effectively, use your preparation time wisely, and get your best score. This easy-to-follow guide offers you a complete review of your AP course, strategies to give you the edge on test day, and plenty of practice with AP-style test questions. You'll sharpen your subject knowledge, strengthen your thinking skills, and build your test-taking confidence with

• Full-length practice exams modeled on the real test
• All the terms and concepts you need to know to get your best score
• Your choice of three customized study schedules--so you can pick the one that meets your needs

The 5-Step Plan helps you get the most out of your study time:
Step 1: Set Up Your Study Program
Step 2: Determine Your Readiness
Step 3: Develop the Strategies
Step 4: Review the Knowledge
Step 5: Build Your Confidence

Topics include: Earth Systems and Resources, The Living World, Population,Land and Water Use, Energy Resources and Consumption, Pollution, and Global Change.
Also includes:Practice exams and sample essays

Product Description
Rather than the 25 to 30 chapters found in most environmental science textbooks, the authors have limited "Principles of Environmental Science: Inquiry and Applications" to 15 chapters - perfect for the one-semester, non-majors environmental science course. True to its title, the goal of this concise text is to provide an up-to-date, introductory view of essential themes in environmental science along with offering students numerous opportunities to practice scientific thinking and active learning. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

ENV 101 Book
This book arrived on time and in good condition. Also it is virtually identical to the 5th edition but was 80
dollars cheaper

textbook review
Product was what was needed for class. It's a textbook. No big hoopla.Delivered in a timely manner win condition described by seller.

item not shipped yet
2 two day shipping item bought on 090310 has not shipped yet and its now 090910.that is 6 six days.

Upcoming Accounting Executive
I needed the book for my next class.I have not read it yet, but I am more than certain that I will learn something about the environment and the science involved.My next class begins August 10, 2010.

not quite what I needed
I noticed the seller said he used it for Ashford University 2009.Well I don't see how when it was the 3rd edition and questions are not numbered the same as in the book for 2010.I had to contact teacher and she explained there were a big difference.The book also smelled of cigarette smoke.Just was not satisfied.I had to reorder another edition book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Same Book, Cheaper Price
Nothing beats saving money on the exact same book than buying it in the law school bookstore. Book shipped right away. ... Read more

Product Description

For more than two decades, Botkin has helped environmental scientists apply ecological science to environmental management. Updated and revised to include the latest research in the field, the seventh edition continues to present a balanced analytical and interdisciplinary approach to the field. It emphasizes the scientific process throughout to develop critical thinking skills. The material has been streamlined to bring the issues and the science to the forefront. The new design and updated images help to highlight key points. Five central themes are also presented to help environmental scientists think about the issues: Human Population Growth, Sustainability, A Global Perspective, An Urban World, and Science and Values.

Customer Reviews (11)

Good Service.
It got to me a later than when I expected, but I got for wa I paid. Im pleased!

Liberal Propaganda
I was forced to purchase this book for a college class. It doesn't take long to find out this book was written to keep pushing the liberal agenda. This book is all about how humans have destroyed the earth already and how the earth would be better off without humans. Don't buy this book unless you want to read about how all biological problems are a direct result of human actions. This book is an example of how our school systems are infected with socialist, closed minded, left wing educators. I threw this book into the local landfill to one, keep this book out of circulation and two, to add to my "carbon footprint".

:)

Not bad or horrible, could of been better.
The book had scratches on the cover due to packaging according to seller.I thought shipping would of been faster, but at least I didn't wait the max time slated.As well, some pages were crinkled when first open, suppose to be brand new.Other then that, pretty good seller and book seems to be okay.

Environmental Science textbook
the book was excellent, clear and easy to read. Unfortunately, it was shipped to me with the cover on backwards

Great textbook
I purchased this book a few months ago, as a means of self studying for the AP Environmental Science exam. So far, this book has proved to be excellent in successfully learning the material, and emphasizes the everlasting dispute between science and values.I initially wanted to only take this test for some easy college credit; however, Environmental Science has now become a very interesting subject for me thanks to this amazing book.Through great pictures and maps, the reader can more thoroughly comprehend the material.I definately give this book 5 stars, as it is greatly written and has made me far more interested in the subject. ... Read more

Product Description
<p><b>The most trusted name in law school outlines</b>, <i>Emanuel Law Outlines</i> support your class preparation, provide reference for your outline creation, and supply a comprehensive breakdown of topic matter for your entire study process. Created by Steven Emanuel, these course outlines have been relied on by generations of law students. Each title includes both capsule and detailed versions of the critical issues and key topics you must know to master the course. Also included are exam questions with model answers, an alpha-list of cases, and a cross reference table of cases for all of the leading casebooks.</p><p><b>Emanuel Law Outline Features:</b></p><ul><li>1 outline choice among law student</li><li>Comprehensive review of all major topics</li><li>Capsule summary of all topics</li><li>Cross-reference table of cases</li><li>Time-saving format</li><li>Great for exam prep</li></ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p> ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

AMAZING
This book is what made me pass the class! the perfect outline. I combined with the E & E for more examples and got a good grade without much help from the prof or casebook. BUY THIS BOOK!

Great little book
I am sorry to say that this was my replacement for my textbook.I did decently well in the course with this as my only guide.No complaints. ... Read more

Product Description

By emphasizing the memorable themes of science, sustainability and stewardship, the Eleventh Edition of this popular textbook helps you understand the science behind environmental issues and what you can do to build a more sustainable future. This thorough revision features updated content, graphics, and photos, plus the addition of new co-author Dorothy Boorse.

Customer Reviews (1)

Brand new book! Much cheaper than school store
This book saved me about $30 off of the price they had at the student bookstore. Plus, I can always sell it back to the book store for about half their price so it's better than buying direct from the student bookstore. ... Read more

Product Description
Using the proven <i>Examples & Explanations</i> format, this fully updated study guide is an invaluable supplement to any environmental law, energy law or land use course. Through liberal use of chapter cross referencing, <b>Examples & Explanations: Environmental Law, Fourth Edition,</b> helps students develop a deep and integrated understanding of the many areas in environmental law.<p class="copymedium"><b>This outstanding study guide is unique in its coverage. Its highly regarded attributes include</b></p><ul><li class="copymedium">comprehensive coverage of 20 areas of environmental, energy and land use law in 15 separate chapters that are integrated through extensive cross referencing, along with a glossary of scientific and environmental terms, a translated list of all acronyms, and a cross reference to coverage in other environmental case books</li><li class="copymedium">accessible and user-friendly structure with the text following the order of topics as they appear in most environmental law casebooks</li><li class="copymedium">detailed exploration of basic concepts, rules, acts, and agencies using the student-tested <i>Examples & Explanations</i> format</li><li class="copymedium">an approach that is especially useful for courses employing a problems and simulations model; lucid explanations draw the pieces together to give students a more complete understanding of the subject</li><li class="copymedium">in the Fourth Edition, there is more explanation of the environmental science, and an integration of scientific topics into the text at a level appropriate to law students</li><li class="copymedium">format allows the professor to bring students quickly up the learning curve and teach environmental material at a more advanced level, even in an introductory format. By providing a foundation in complex areas, professors can move on quickly to have students work on or solve the types of real-world legal issues that confront the profession today.</li><li class="copymedium">text can be used to help students find a paper topic: the student can choose a topic, then pick one of the identified legal controversies or splits in the circuits identified in the text and pursue that as an in-depth paper topic. This allows students to be more self-directing in pursuing their interests and facilitates more productive use of scarce class time.</li></ul><p class="copymedium"><b>Highlights of the Fourth Edition:</b></p><ul><li class="copymedium">more scientific explanation of the various environmental and ecological cycles and the impact of human activities on them</li><li class="copymedium">new material on global warming issues and carbon trading</li><li class="copymedium">material in the text is cross referenced with material in the leading environmental law casebooks in an easy-to-use table at the front of the book</li><li class="copymedium">greater depth of coverage on key cases</li><li class="copymedium">new coverage of recent Supreme Court, federal appellate, and leading state law cases.</li></ul><p></p><p></p> ... Read more

Product Description

The second edition of Environmental Health: From Global to Local, a comprehensive introductory text, offers an overview of the methodology and paradigms of this burgeoning field, ranging from ecology to epidemiology, from toxicology to environmental psychology, and from genetics to

ethics. Expert contributors discuss the major issues in contemporary environmental health:air,

water, food safety, occupational health, radiation, chemical and physical hazards, vector control, and injuries. Also emphasizing a wide variety of issues of global interest, the thoroughly revised second edition contains updated information on such timely topics as toxicology, exposure assessment,

climate change, population pressure, developing nations and urbanization, energy production, building and community design, solid and hazardous waste, and disaster preparedness. In addition, each chapter of Environmental Health includes learning objectives, key points, and discussion questions.

Praise for the first edition of Environmental Health

"A classic textbook for the dynamic, evolving field of environmental health, thoughtful, well written, well balanced and referenced. An excellent overview of a multifaceted approach to environmental health."— AOEC Newsletter (Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics)

"With its many examples, clear explanations, and emphasis on big picture themes and relevance, it is an astonishingly interesting read."—Global Public Health

"The book's chapters contain highly pertinent insights and information on environmental issues that go beyond the usual boundaries of classic environmental health."—Environmental Health Perspectives

Winner, AAP Award for Excellence in Professional and Scholarly Publishing ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Class Textbook
This book is very well written, well researched, and the subjects covered are broad.It seems to compliment the instructor in my class very well.The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is a lack of perspective re sustainability, i.e., human kind keeps surviving disasters, endemics, disease, etc., only to increase in population.At some point, the population will no longer be sustainable.While there are certain resources that are in limited supply today, I believe the book should have explored those resources that have the capability to be significant in terms of population limiting - now and in a future tense.

Clean copy, like new
The price was great for a clean, like-new copy of the text and quick shipping. One page in the middle did have some highlighting, which was not mentioned, but it's a minor thing.

review of order
I am happy to recieved the book. However, I am dissatisfied with the fact that I had to wait almost a week and a half to get the book. I ordered a book a week before and it said that it was in stock and would have reached my home in 3 business days. The day it was supposed to arrive at my home, my money had been refunded due to it not being in stock. This caused a delay in my schedule by ordering this book and waiting a week and a half to get it.

Great comprehensive textbook
This is a great comprehensive textbook that I use for my graduate level Environmental Health course. The book has excellent references and case studies. It contains current topics and examples. I find it easy for my students to read.

good deal
The book is a wonderful one. The author takes the times to make it very easy to read and very clear. I enjoy reading it. ... Read more

Product Description
Environmental Science: A Global Concern, Eleventh Edition, is a comprehensive presentation of environmental science for non-science majors which emphasizes critical thinking, environmental responsibility, and global awareness. This book is intended for use in a one- or two-semester course in environmental science, human ecology, or environmental studies at the college or advanced placement high school level.

We have updated data throughout the chapters in this book. Information and examples presented are the most recent available as of the mid-2009. You will find an abundance of specific numbers and current events – details that are difficult to keep up-to-date in a textbook.

The goal of this book is to provide an up-to-date, introductory global view of essential themes in environmental science along with emphasis on details and case studies that will help students process and retain the general principles. Because most students who will use this book are freshman or sophomore non-science majors, the authors make the text readable and accessible without technical jargon or a presumption of prior science background. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

bad
very outdated book... I ordered a hard cover book but I got a soft cover book. what else can I say....

Book Purchase
The customer service with regard to the purchase of this item is nothing short of outstanding!

As described
Great seller. Perfect book. As described. Shipped in a timely manner. Perfect. Would buy from again.

Textbook for a Science class
My son needed this textbook for his Science class. As always I check Amazon first using the isbn #. As usual this book did not disappoint. It was much cheaper than if I had bought it through his school. The shipping was quick.

thank you for your speedy and trusty services.
the book got to the dorm just in time for my nephew at college. we saved over $100 shopping from you. thank you for your quick delivery.Will be back!!!


... Read more

Product Description
This full-color, introductory environmental science text is known for being concise, conceptual, and value-priced. The approach and reading level cover the basic concepts without overloading students with too much detail. The authors reinforce the text's central theme of "interrelationships" by providing a historical perspective, information on economic and political realities, discuss the role of different social experiences, and integrate this with the crucial science to describe the natural world and how we affect it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

As promised!
Text book arrived in great condition (as promised), quickly (as promised), and my budget was very, very happy with the price. Thank you! ... Read more

Product Description
Environmental Economics is the first text to concentrate solely on environmental economics--the problems of earth, air, and water pollution from an economic perspective--with an emphasis on both government regulation and private-sector anti-pollution incentives.

With the assumption that readers already have an understanding of intermediate microeconomics, the book reaches into more detail ontheory and analysis than most other textbooks in this area. Now fully revised in its second edition, Environmental Economics is divided into four primary sections: the first section defines the field of environmental economics in relation to general economics and to ecological and resource economics; the second section is normative, looking at market failure and asks why, even with apparent environmental protection, the market often fails to work properly; the third section is positive, examining government regulation of pollution using the industrial organization literature; and the final section covers more advanced topics, looking at risk, uncertainty, green accounting, international competition and cooperation and development.

Including many international examples, the book places special emphasis on the ways that countries around the world approach and control their own environmental problems. Environmental Economics, Second Edition, is ideal for undergraduate economics courses and beginning graduate courses in environmental management.


New to this Edition
* Utilizes a new structure: the first part is normative, the second part positive
* Provides an updated treatment of valuation and moves it to the first part of the text
* Substantially revises coverage of cost-benefit analysis, property rights, and market failure, resulting in greater clarity
* Includes new chapters on voluntary environmental protection and additional sections on discounting and dynamics
* Offers increased coverage of open access resources and fisheries
* The technical level throughout the text is much more consistent from chapter to chapter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

So So
Purchased for an Eviro Econ Course.Book covers most topics, weak on valuation.Full of typos.Discussion of many topics very convoluted.Not an easy read.

Great introduction to Environmental Economics .
Actual rating - 4.5 stars .

I read this book as a must-read for the Environmental Economics course I had taken in the beginning of the last semester . I think this book is a great choice for students that are interested in this topic . Myself , I didn't know what to expect in the beginning of the course , but it turned up to be a surprisingly interesting and important issue - with the good help of this book .

I have to say that I've learned a lot from reading this book , and it has been a pleasant experience too . Professor Kolstad has really accomplished a commendable achievement in writing a fluent , methodical , thorough and interesting book about Environmental Economics , nearly everyone who wishes to , can read and understand .

I say it as a student who hasn't read other works on the subject , but nevertheless , feels this book has many pluses as an introduction to this subject :

- The author , in spite of announcing it is a book for persons that have taken an Intermediate Microeconomics courses , makes far-reaching efforts to explain nearly every statement he proclaimed . This is a good feature students can use for reviewing forgotten material , deleting the need to use more fundamental books for understanding .

- Significant number of chapters includes a small use of mathematic tools . This fact is of considerable help for the layman , who is interested in expending horizons and lacks the necessary mathematical skills .

I believe the following points characterize many tutorials , but it's important to note them anyway;

- Every figure the author uses is accompanied with detailed explanations that enhance the reader's ability to understand the sketch and the whole subject while at it .

- Every chapter includes an introduction and a summery . The first connects the chapter to the previous one , and assists in grasping the place it takes in the big picture of things , while the second one summarize the major issues dealt with . This functions organize the material and construct an understandable structure of knowledge .

- One last thing , that consists an advantage constructed with disadvantage is the appearance of questions and problems in the end of each chapter , in the obvious order to help you check out your understanding , but with the irritating absence of answers and solutions (!) . What's the point in composing personal examinations without any achievable , certified solutions ? How can I know I am right ? I recommend authors to annex a booklet/extra pages with the correct answers , along with a full description of the way to the solution plus explanations - if you include such a tutorial tool in your book - do it right .

Excluding the last disadvantage , I'm most pleased with this book , and would recommend it for anyone who is interested in environment and its protection problems

complete and comprenhensive
This book is more than a simple overview of the wide environmental economics world, since it embraces the subject in a clear, comprenhensive but in-depth enough to get a very good picture of it. ... Read more

Product Description
Environmental threats are occurring on a worldwide scale. Dramatic pictures of the devastating effects of natural disasters lead the nightly news. Stories of chemical spills and contaminated groundwater, deforestation and suburban sprawl, depleted fisheries and exploding human population, litter the pages of the newspapers daily. National and international policymakers are concerned about the potential impact on the health of the world’s population and on the global environment and, as a result, much progress has been made in informing the public and introducing regulations for the control of these hazards. As the first in the Essential Public Health series, Essentials of Environmental Health is a clear and comprehensive study of the major topics of environmental health including: Background of the field and “tools of the trade” (environmental epidemiology, environmental toxicology, and environmental policy and regulation). Environmental diseases (microbial agents, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation). Applications and domains of environmental health (water and air quality, food safety, waste disposal, and occupational health).In a straightforward, non-technical approach, the author has included many examples and illustrations of environmental health issues. Perfect for the beginning student as well as the experienced health professional, each chapter concludes with study questions and exercises to engage the reader in further study. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Not really worth waiting for
Waited too long for this book to arrive in an envelope with a handwritten address - as if it came from someone's home.Listed as almost, or like new - and it most certainly was not - it even had highlighting on pages, something that should automatically kick it out of that category.It was used, and overpriced.My first experience of a misrepresentation with Amazon - very disappointed.

Essentials of Environmental Health by Robert H. Friis
The shipment came much faster than expected, a big surprise.The book is new and in perfect condition.Thank you for your service and honesty as this was another blind purchase.

Public Health environmental
Terribly boring. The diagrams and pictures explain everything, and the unnecessarily long chapters re-explain everything in excruciating detail. I can only read for about 25 seconds before falling asleep. But it is very thorough and makes things easy to understand. The diagrams are helpful, and the glossary in the back is nice. Unless this book is specifically required, try to find a more interesting one!!

shabby book.
I brought textbook and related books from Amazon for more than 5 years. This is the first time to get such a shabby book. It is not a fair book as the seller described but definately shabby. I put some coverage to use this book and dislike it for the condition. I know this book will end in my hard for the poor condition.

Very quick
I got the book so quick from this seller and the book is in a very good shape ... Read more

Product Description
Appropriate for undergraduate engineering and science courses in Environmental Engineering. Balanced coverage of all the major categories of environmental pollution, with coverage of current topics such as climate change and ozone depletion, risk assessment, indoor air quality, source-reduction and recycling, and groundwater contamination. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Effective
This book is easy to get through and explains the equations that you need well. I'm using it for a class right now, but it is a great intro book for environmental engineering.

Good
The book was very good, looked like new, even though it said there were marks, there seemed like there wasn't any.It came at a reasonably good time.

Just as promised, thanks
the book arrived when and how they said it would in the condition they promised. Thanks!

Great for those who don't focus on environment, but need to learn about it
Generic and simple. I took a required class in basic environmental engineering and was pretty happy with this book. It's simple to use and does not assume and prior knowledge of environmental engineering besides common sense. Everything is explained well and without indulging into the never ending and unnecessary details as a lot of text books do. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the author wasn't trying to push an agenda (something I thought came standard with any book dealing with the environment). All of the information was objective and discussed from a neutral "know what it is, and what it does, and why" perspective. The chapter about global warming actually almost seemed to downplay the artificial and hyped up urgency and extent of the issue by focusing on only on the numbers and nothing else. Not math intensive at all except maybe a few rates of growth/decay. Solid intro course book. However if you're not interested in the subject to begin with, this book won't change that.

helpful for class
Very useful book.My teacher used it a lot and the examples are really helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
Environmental issues affect every part of your life. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: WORKING WITH THE EARTH, Twelfth Edition, shows you how nature works, how we interact with it, and how we have sustained--and can continue to sustain--our relationship with the earth by applying nature?s lessons to our economies and individual lifestyles. This central theme of sustainability--the ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions--is clarified by an emphasis on natural capital (resources) and degradation, solutions, trade-offs, and the importance of individuals. If you have little or no science background, the book provides you with a solid grounding in the basics that will help you better understand environmental science concepts. Case studies--on topics ranging from the importance of insects to the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone Park to the world of nanotechnology--illustrate key topics and issues that affect your life. These cases inspire How Would You Vote? questions, which sharpen your critical thinking by asking you to consider facts, conflicting solutions, and trade-offs surrounding the issues, and then cast your vote.Multimedia resources offer other ways to learn. CengageNOW features Personalized Study Plans and interactive exercises and animations that help you master concepts. MP3 audio study tools can be included with your text at your instructor?s request, or can be purchased separately through www.iChapters.com. There?s an eBook too, which is available for purchase. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Amazon.com
I want my money back!!I never received my book and my class is over Friday Sept. 17th.Thanks for nothing.I'll never order another book from you guys and I'll tell everyone in my classes.SO NOT HAPPY!!

Great service!
I'm very pleased with the shipment of this item! I ordered it and received it in the mail within the same week! And it's in really good condition. Thanks!

Good quality paperback
The shipping took a while, but I was glad the book had all its pages and was in good condition.

great buy!
The product was exactly what I needed, great price compared to it's competitors, and arrived in a timely manner.

Environmental Science
The book reveals science in an understanding manner. It is comprehensive in coverage of the field. It promote critical thinking skills. ... Read more

Product Description
A look at the history of change brought about by and affecting the lives of homo sapiens. Discusses the interdependence of man and nature, contending that adaptability to change and the ability to explore alternatives to the main sources of needed resources will be the key to the survival of mankind. Softcover. DLC: Human ecology--History--20th century.Amazon.com Review
J.R. McNeill, a professor of history at Georgetown University,visits the annals of the past century only to return to the presentwith bad news: in that 100-year span, he writes, the industrializedand developing nations of the world have wrought damage to nearlyevery part of the globe.That much seems obvious to even the mostcasual reader, but what emerges, and forcefully, from McNeill's pagesis just how extensive that damage has been. For example, he writes,"soil degradation in one form or another now affects one-third of theworld's land surface," larger by far than the world's cultivatedareas. Things are worse in some places than in others; McNeillobserves that Africa is "the only continent where food production percapita declined after 1960," due to the loss of productive soil.McNeill's litany continues: the air in most of the world's cities isperilously unhealthy; the drinking water across much of the planet isgrowing ever more polluted; the human species is increasingly locked"in a rigid and uneasy bond with modern agriculture," which trades thepromise of abundant food for the use of carcinogenic pesticides andfossil fuels.

The environmental changes of the last century,McNeill closes by saying, are on an unprecedented scale, so much sothat we can scarcely begin to fathom their implications. We can,however, start to think about them, and McNeill's book is a helpfulprimer. --Gregory McNamee ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Excellent narrative with good environmental science info
This book is an excellent overview of the complex ecological, sociological, economic, and technological history of the century when humans became a dominant force shaping the planet Earth. The science is sound, the narratives compelling, and the writing superb. I chose it as a text for my introductory environmental science students instead of a standard textbook. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting a comprehensive and interdisciplinary overview of how humans changed the planet in the twentieth century.

Review for Something New Under the Sun
J.R.McNeill, author of Something New Under the Sun, states "it is nearly impossible to see what is happening until it is inconveniently late to do something about it" (358). In his book, McNeill discusses the major changes to the environment, which occurred throughout the twentieth century. Focusing on the four spheres--lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere--McNeill acknowledges that although we may not be in the midst of an environmental crisis, the current means by which humans are living are not ecologically sustainable. He also claims that there are many consequences for some of the environmental changes that have occurred. Throughout the book there is an overarching theme that humans are a main cause of many of the environmental problems of the twentieth century, and as humans, we are the only ones with the knowledge and power to fix it.

McNeill begins his book by concentrating on the lithosphere, the earth's outer shell of rock, and its transformations in the past century. The pedosphere, which is the soil, essentially earth's skin, is located between the lithosphere and atmosphere.According to McNeill, the erosion of soil is primarily caused by humans and ultimately harms them because humans get "97 percent of their food from vanishing soils" (49).

The next sphere, the atmosphere is the "thin gaseous envelope that surrounds the earth" (51). In the early twentieth century, coal combustion, which came from industries and dwellings, primarily caused air pollution, the main topic associated with the atmosphere. Since the development of the automobile road traffic has been the largest source of air pollution worldwide. McNeill also considers the proposed laws and regulations, which have been implemented regarding air pollution. He claims that laws relating to air pollution are difficult to enforce, because "economic development took precedence over other concerns" (83). In addition to air pollution, McNeill covers climate change and its causes as well as the stratosphere.

From the atmosphere, McNeill moves on to the hydrosphere focusing on water use and water pollution in the twentieth century. Water has always been primarily used for irrigation; however people today use water much more frequently than in the past. After the development of new organic chemicals, water pollution started becoming severe, having a dramatic impact on lakes and rivers and killing "tens of millions of people in the twentieth century" (147). Although there are safe water provisions, they focus more on protecting the big cities, not entire countries. Cleaning up polluted rivers and lakes can sometimes be an easy task; nonetheless most times it is difficult, especially in poorer countries. One can only hope that oceans do not get polluted because if they do, it will be almost impossible to reverse the damage.

Lastly, McNeill concentrates on the biosphere. In this section, agriculture is a major issue, along with discussions on deforestation, the decline of whales and fish in oceans, and bioinvasions. Although the consequences of many of these things have yet to occur, McNeill predicts them to be extremely severe and expects humans to find a solution to these problems, in spite of the fact that he is unsure of the different aspects of such a solution.

Overall, Something New Under the Sun provides a well structured and organized critique of many of the environmental changes, which occurred throughout the twentieth century. McNeill does an excellent job in organizing his information, carefully dividing up his sections and clearly stating his opinions and own viewpoints.One positive component of the book is that he applies his concepts to the context of cities and countries so the reader can view the problem from a smaller scale and multiple angles. For instance, when McNeill wrote about water pollution he focused on the Ganges River in India and the measures taken to contend with the pollution of that specific river. This helps the reader comprehend the concepts better as opposed to if they were to be told in a general synopsis of the current circumstances.

Another positive aspect of Something New Under the Sun is the fact that it ties together very nicely. Many times, McNeill will refer to something discussed in a previous chapter. This is very beneficial to the reader, because it shows that what they previously read about actually matters in the context of the entire book. For example, he frequently relates pollution to past statements.Although he specifically discusses pollution in his section on the atmosphere, McNeill reverts back to it in almost every chapter. This helps the reader understand the drastic nature of the problem

One minor problem with the book is the amount of detail regarding many of the topics. While reading Something New Under the Sun I was sometimes overwhelmed by the quantity of detail included. The in-depth qualitative analysis made it difficult to summarize the book concisely. Although some specifics are helpful in understanding the information, too much detail can ultimately end up confusing the reader, which was sometimes the case in this book.

Anyone interested in today's environment and its changes should think about reading Something New Under the Sun. This book takes a specific look at how humans have altered the environment in the past 100 years and the measures that need to be taken to change it in the future. Although McNeill can't pinpoint exactly what can be done to change what has happened, he does have a few potentially effective ideas that could prove to be successful. He declares that every person can make a difference, and he asks everyone to look at what has happened in the past, because we can use the past to change the future.

Something New Under the Sun
I like the book because of the historical perspective on the detrimental effects of the environment with selected topics, although I am preferring my other book which tells the stories of different places on the what the effects of the environment has had over the years of human civilization. Still, both are quite good...

Excellent
This is a must read for people interested in either history, the environment, or people.It is well written and provides an excellent view about the history of the twentieth century that most people do not usually know about.Everyone should read it.

Where we went astray and what we might do about it
Boom. This is a biggie. Yowzah! If you want a clear view of our specie's impact on our world there is no better place to start than here. J.R. McNeill offers a balanced and comprehensive look at the century which changed everything, and his title, contradicting Ecclesiastes' assertion that nothing is new, says it all. The core idea here is that in the last century humanity moved beyond affect of local systems to dominance of the biosphere. We are everywhere. McNeill covers our impact on all of the life on our planet, from his prologue discussion of economy, population and energy, to his deeper analysis of soil, air, water and the whole of living systems. He offers clear views of the demographic and technologic forces which have shaped our modern world. Most illuminating of all are the complicated ways in which each change we have wrought has brought both destruction and remediation. Oil, the number one eco-villain inrecent history, particularly when pumped through internal combustion engines, has also cleaned up city air enormously when it replaced coal and wood for heating and power generation. It also eliminated the need to remove 10-15,000 horse carcasses from average large cities each year and saved the great whales from extinction. Nuclear energy, an utter failure economically and with wastes which will be our generation's longest lasting heirloom, at least doesn't pollute the air. Population growth has had enormous impact on environmental damage, but less than I would have estimated as a percentage, and in some places it has even permitted improvements impossible without many hands. We are, in his words, the "rogue primate" which became smart enough to threaten every other life form on the planet, from smallpox virus to blue whales. Our success has paradoxically been very good for the viruses that cause the common cold and for rabbits. From the general to the specific, whole systems to individual tools (automobile, chain saw) McNeill has achieved a grasp of how and what we did, and tells the story masterfully. For readers who took up my recommendation of A GREEN HISTORY OF THE WORLD (Clive Ponting, St. Martin's Press, 1991), this one is better (and Ponting's work is one of McNeill's sources). Bingo. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Where-s the book?
I ordered my book over a month ago 2/10/10 and still have not received it s of 3/18/10.I would not recommend this company to anyone.

Good School Book
I got this book at an exceptional price almost $70 less than the bookstore was selling it for. And then sold it back to the school and got more than I paid for it. What a deal! The book itself was pretty easy to understand and had lots of visuals to back up the text. Very well written text for Into to Environmental Studies. I sure learned a lot this semester about the world we live in and what we are doing to it. ... Read more

Product Description
TAKING SIDES: ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, 13/e EXPANDED presents current controversial issues in a debate-style format designed to stimulate student interest and develop critical thinking skills. Each issue is thoughtfully framed with an issue summary, an issue introduction, and a postscript. An instructor’s manual with testing material is available for each volume. USING TAKING SIDES IN THE CLASSROOM is also an excellent instructor resource with practical suggestions on incorporating this effective approach in the classroom. Each TAKING SIDES reader features an annotated listing of selected World Wide Web sites and is supported by a book website. Visit www.mhcls.com. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

good condition
This book was new and it was the correct edition. no problem and is very useful.

Good resource
This was a textbook for school. The issues are great except, many of the are outdated. So much has happened since the publication of this book.

Review of Taking Sides...
This book is an amazing book on many of todays top environmental issues.One could see an issue one way before reading this book, and after that certain issue is read, and one sees the point on both sides, it could actually change ones mind.My way of thinking was changed on a few of those issues.Good book. ... Read more

Product Description
Winner, 2007 Davidoff Award presented by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP)

When environmental health problems arise in a community, policymakers must be able to reconcile the first-hand experience of local residents with recommendations by scientists. In this highly original look at environmental health policymaking, Jason Corburn shows the ways that local knowledge can be combined with professional techniques to achieve better solutions for environmental health problems. He traces the efforts of a low-income community in Brooklyn to deal with health problems in its midst and offers a framework for understanding "street science"—decision making that draws on community knowledge and contributes to environmental justice.

Like many other low-income urban communities, the Greenpoint/Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn suffers more than its share of environmental problems, with a concentration of polluting facilities and elevated levels of localized air pollutants. Corburn looks at four instances of street science in Greenpoint/Williamsburg, where community members and professionals combined forces to address the risks from subsistence fishing from the polluted East River, the asthma epidemic in the Latino community, childhood lead poisoning, and local sources of air pollution. These episodes highlight both the successes and the limits of street science and demonstrate ways residents can establish their own credibility when working with scientists. Street science, Corburn argues, does not devalue science; it revalues other kinds of information and democratizes the inquiry and decision-making processes. ... Read more