Environment: Home

It is now abundantly clear that we have at our fingertips all of the tools we need to solve the climate crisis. The only missing ingredient is collective will. Properly understood, the climate crisis is an unparalleled opportunity to finally and effectively address many persistent causes of suffering and misery that have long been neglected, and to transform the prospects of future generations, giving them a chance to live healthier, more prosperous lives as they continue their pursuit of happiness. Our Choice gathers in one place all of the most effective solutions that are available now and that, together, will solve this crisis. It is meant to depoliticize the issue as much as possible and inspire readers to take action "not only on an individual basis but as participants in the political processes by which every country, and the world as a whole, makes the choice that now confronts us. There is an old African proverb that says, "If you want to go quickly, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." We have to go far, quickly. We can solve the climate crisis. It will be hard, to be sure, but if we can make the choice to solve it, I have no doubt whatsoever that we can and will succeed.” AL GORE, from the introduction

Environment: An Illustrated Guide to Science includes seven sections: ""People Factor"" - describes one of the most important elements in any consideration of the environment - the human population of Earth. There are detailed descriptions of world population distribution, demographics, fertility, and death rates. Major environment-influencing factors such as vehicle ownership, urbanization, and the demand for firewood are examined. ""Food and Water"" - examines the two most basic commodities: trends in the availability of fresh water and global production figures for all kinds of food. Hazards threatening the sustainability of food production and the provision of fresh water are also described. ""Land Degradation"" - is concerned with the processes that are reducing the capacity of the land to both support biodiversity and produce food for the human population. Among these processes are deforestation, erosion, and desertification. ""Land and Sea Pollution"" - is an overview of the processes that introduce pollutants to the marine and terrestrial environments, compromising their ability to support life. The production of energy, the generation and disposal of industrial and domestic waste, bioaccumulation, sewage disposal, and nuclear waste disposal are all discussed. ""Air Pollution"" - considers the processes that introduce pollutants to the atmosphere and the consequences of that pollution. Greenhouse gases and their influence on global warming, acid rain, and the threat to the ozone layer are the major topics in this section. ""Nature Under Threat"" - looks at the growing threat to global biodiversity posed by human population growth combined with unsustainable patterns of consumption; increasing production of waste and pollutants; urban development; international conflict; and continuing inequalities in the distribution of wealth and resources. ""Environmental Disasters"" - focuses on some catastrophic cases of pollution, particularly those relating to the uncontrolled release of oil, chemicals, and radioactive material into the environment.