Includes bibliographical references (p. 695-705) and index.

Introduction to environmental protection : sustainability, science, and systems. Living sustainably on the earth -- Thinking critically about environmental issues and solutions -- Understanding the root causes of the environmental crisis -- Environmental protection by design : restructuring human systems for sustainability. Natural systems/human systems : searching for a sustainable relationship. Principles of ecology : how ecosystems work -- Principles of ecology : biomes and aquatic life zones -- Principles of ecology : self-sustaining mechanisms in ecosystems -- Human ecology : our changing relationship with the environment. The population challenge : solving the world's most pressing problem sustainably. Population : measuring growth and its impact -- Stabilizing the human population : strategies for sustainability. Resource issues : solutions for a sustainable society. Creating a sustainable system of agriculture to feed the world's people -- Preserving biological diversity -- Grasslands, forests, and wilderness : sustainable management strategies -- Water resources : preserving our liquid assets and protecting aquatic ecosystems -- Nonrenewable energy sources -- Foundations of a sustainable energy system : conservation and renewable energy -- The Earth and its mineral resources -- Creating sustainable cities, suburbs, and towns : principles and practices of sustainable community development. Learning to live within the Earth's carrying capacity. Principles of toxicology and risk assessment -- Air pollution and noise : living and working in a healthy environment -- Global air pollution : ozone depletion, acid deposition, and global warming -- Water pollution : sustainably managing a renewable resource -- Pests and pesticides : growing crops sustainably -- Hazardous and solid wastes : sustainable solutions. Ethics, economics, and environment. Environmental ethics : the foundation of a sustainable society -- Sustainable economics : understanding the economy and challenges facing the industrial nations -- Sustainable economic development : challenges facing the developing nations -- Law, government, and society.