Download or read book Environmental Science Theory written by W.T. de Groot and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 1992-10-22 with total page 581 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Having no competitive works, this unique publication presents a single structure for the analysis, explanation and solution of environmental problems, regardless of their location, nature or scale. In this problem-oriented approach, a coherent framework interconnects the study of facts and values, environmental systems, social causes and ethical premises. Counterbalancing current biases, the author emphasizes the fundamental, normative, economic and social-scientific aspects of truly interdisciplinary environmental science. For instance, the normative side of environmental problems are often neglected, resulting in policy designs and evaluations containing inefficient mixtures of sophisticated models and poorly grounded normative premises; this is the first major study to enrich the field with more normative consistency and groundedness. It is also the first text to consistently identify the social causes of environmental problems, rather than focusing on the physical-scientific aspects, and thus design deeper and more effective policies. Furthermore, a tinge of post-modern thinking runs throughout the book, with special care being taken, however, to constantly keep in view the practical relevance of theory for problem-oriented work. The book will be of interest to environmental scientists and managers wishing to improve the consistency and depth of their work, to social scientists and geographers wishing to connect their discipline to the environmental problems field, and to general scientists interested in the connections between philosophy and practice.

Download or read book Social Science Theory for Environmental Sustainability written by Marc J. Stern and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2018-06-22 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Social-ecological challenges call for a far better integration of the social sciences into conservation training and practice. Environmental problems are, first and foremost, people problems. Without better understandings of the people involved, solutions are often hard to come by, regardless of expertise in biology, ecology, or other traditional conservation sciences. This novel book provides an accessible survey of a broad range of theories widely applicable to environmental problems that students and practitioners can apply to their work. It serves as a simple reference guide to illuminate the value and utility of social science theories for the practice of environmental conservation. As part of the Techniques in Ecology and Conservation Series, it will be a vital resource for conservation scientists, students, and practitioners to better navigate the social complexities of applying their work to real-world problem-solving.

Download or read book Grand Challenges in Environmental Sciences written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2001-05-24 with total page 107 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Scientists have long sought to unravel the fundamental mysteries of the land, life, water, and air that surround us. But as the consequences of humanity's impact on the planet become increasingly evident, governments are realizing the critical importance of understanding these environmental systemsâ€"and investing billions of dollars in research to do so. To identify high-priority environmental science projects, Grand Challenges in Environmental Sciences explores the most important areas of research for the next generation. The book's goal is not to list the world's biggest environmental problems. Rather it is to determine areas of opportunity thatâ€"with a concerted investmentâ€"could yield significant new findings. Nominations for environmental science's "grand" challenges were solicited from thousands of scientists worldwide. Based on their responses, eight major areas of focus were identifiedâ€"areas that offer the potential for a major scientific breakthrough of practical importance to humankind, and that are feasible if given major new funding. The book further pinpoints four areas for immediate action and investment.

Download or read book Environmental Systems Science written by Daniel A. Vallero and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2021-05-27 with total page 706 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Environmental Systems Science: Theory and Practical Applications looks at pollution and environmental quality from a systems perspective. Credible human and ecological risk estimation and prediction methods are described, including life cycle assessment, feasibility studies, pollution control decision tools, and approaches to determine adverse outcome pathways, fate and transport, sampling and analysis, and cost-effectiveness. The book brings translational science to environmental quality, applying groundbreaking methodologies like informatics, data mining, and applications of secondary data systems. Multiple human and ecological variables are introduced and integrated to support calculations that aid environmental and public health decision making. The book bridges the perspectives of scientists, engineers, and other professionals working in numerous environmental and public health fields addressing problems like toxic substances, deforestation, climate change, and loss of biological diversity, recommending sustainable solutions to these and other seemingly intractable environmental problems. The causal agents discussed include physical, chemical, and biological agents, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), SARS-CoV-2 (the COVID-19 virus), and other emerging contaminants. Provides an optimistic and interdisciplinary approach, underpinned by scientific first principles and theory to evaluate pollutant sources and sinks, applying biochemodynamic methods, measurements and models Deconstructs prior initiatives in environmental assessment and management using an interdisciplinary approach to evaluate what has worked and why Lays out a holistic understanding of the real impact of human activities on the current state of pollution, linking the physical sciences and engineering with socioeconomic, cultural perspectives, and environmental justice Takes a life cycle view of human and ecological systems, from the molecular to the planetary scale, integrating theories and tools from various disciplines to assess the current and projected states of environmental quality Explains the elements of risk, reliability and resilience of built and natural systems, including discussions of toxicology, sustainability, and human-pollutant interactions based on spatial, biological, and human activity information, i.e. the exposome

Download or read book Environmental Systems Science written by Daniel Vallero and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2021-05-26 with total page 704 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Environmental Systems Science: Theory and Practical Applications looks at pollution and environmental quality from a systems perspective. Credible human and ecological risk estimation and prediction methods are described, including life cycle assessment, feasibility studies, pollution control decision tools, and approaches to determine adverse outcome pathways, fate and transport, sampling and analysis, and cost-effectiveness. The book brings translational science to environmental quality, applying groundbreaking methodologies like informatics, data mining, and applications of secondary data systems. Multiple human and ecological variables are introduced and integrated to support calculations that aid environmental and public health decision making. The book bridges the perspectives of scientists, engineers, and other professionals working in numerous environmental and public health fields addressing problems like toxic substances, deforestation, climate change, and loss of biological diversity, recommending sustainable solutions to these and other seemingly intractable environmental problems. The causal agents discussed include physical, chemical, and biological agents, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), SARS-CoV-2 (the COVID-19 virus), and other emerging contaminants. Provides an optimistic and interdisciplinary approach, underpinned by scientific first principles and theory to evaluate pollutant sources and sinks, applying biochemodynamic methods, measurements and models Deconstructs prior initiatives in environmental assessment and management using an interdisciplinary approach to evaluate what has worked and why Lays out a holistic understanding of the real impact of human activities on the current state of pollution, linking the physical sciences and engineering with socioeconomic, cultural perspectives, and environmental justice Takes a life cycle view of human and ecological systems, from the molecular to the planetary scale, integrating theories and tools from various disciplines to assess the current and projected states of environmental quality Explains the elements of risk, reliability and resilience of built and natural systems, including discussions of toxicology, sustainability, and human-pollutant interactions based on spatial, biological, and human activity information, i.e. the exposome

Download or read book Education for Sustainable Human and Environmental Systems written by Will Focht and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-09-19 with total page 268 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The goal of Sustainable Human and Environmental Systems (SHES) education is to prepare students to facilitate social learning in communities that builds knowledge of, capacity for, and commitment to sustainability to facilitate the emergence of sustainable societies. The SHES approach to sustainability education relies on complexity-based systems thinking that transcends disciplinary boundaries. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the SHES approach, including its rationale and theoretical foundation, its pedagogy and practical applications in curricula, and ways to support the approach through institutional administration. This book will be of great interest to academics and students of education, environmental sciences and studies, sustainability and sustainable development, natural resource management, conservation, environmental policy, environmental planning, and related fields in higher education. Educators can use this book as a guide to SHES pedagogy, curriculum design, sustainability, environmental studies, sustainable development, and sustainable well-being. Administrators will find the book useful in establishing, evaluating, staffing, and promoting programs based on the SHES approach.

Download or read book New Natures written by Dolly Jorgensen and published by University of Pittsburgh Pre. This book was released on 2013-07-08 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: New Natures broadens the dialogue between the disciplines of science and technology studies (STS) and environmental history in hopes of deepening and even transforming understandings of human-nature interactions. The volume presents richly developed historical studies that explicitly engage with key STS theories, offering models for how these theories can help crystallize central lessons from empirical histories, facilitate comparative analysis, and provide a language for complicated historical phenomena. Overall, the collection exemplifies the fruitfulness of cross-disciplinary thinking. The chapters follow three central themes: ways of knowing, or how knowledge is produced and how this mediates our understanding of the environment; constructions of environmental expertise, showing how expertise is evaluated according to categories, categorization, hierarchies, and the power afforded to expertise; and lastly, an analysis of networks, mobilities, and boundaries, demonstrating how knowledge is both diffused and constrained and what this means for humans and the environment. Contributors explore these themes by discussing a wide array of topics, including farming, forestry, indigenous land management, ecological science, pollution, trade, energy, and outer space, among others. The epilogue, by the eminent environmental historian Sverker Sorlin, views the deep entanglements of humans and nature in contemporary urbanity and argues we should preserve this relationship in the future. Additionally, the volume looks to extend the valuable conversation between STS and environmental history to wider communities that include policy makers and other stakeholders, as many of the issues raised can inform future courses of action.

Download or read book Environmental Science For Dummies written by Alecia M. Spooner and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2012-06-22 with total page 397 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The easy way to score high in Environmental Science Environmental science is a fascinating subject, but some students have a hard time grasping the interrelationships of the natural world and the role that humans play within the environment. Presented in a straightforward format, Environmental Science For Dummies gives you plain-English, easy-to-understand explanations of the concepts and material you'll encounter in your introductory-level course. Here, you get discussions of the earth's natural resources and the problems that arise when resources like air, water, and soil are contaminated by manmade pollutants. Sustainability is also examined, including the latest advancements in recycling and energy production technology. Environmental Science For Dummies is the most accessible book on the market for anyone who needs to get a handle on the topic, whether you're looking to supplement classroom learning or simply interested in learning more about our environment and the problems we face. Presents straightforward information on complex concepts Tracks to a typical introductory level Environmental Science course Serves as an excellent supplement to classroom learning If you're enrolled in an introductory Environmental Science course or studying for the AP Environmental Science exam, this hands-on, friendly guide has you covered.

Download or read book Physics in a New Era written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2001-07-15 with total page 203 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Physics at the beginning of the twenty-first century has reached new levels of accomplishment and impact in a society and nation that are changing rapidly. Accomplishments have led us into the information age and fueled broad technological and economic development. The pace of discovery is quickening and stronger links with other fields such as the biological sciences are being developed. The intellectual reach has never been greater, and the questions being asked are more ambitious than ever before. Physics in a New Era is the final report of the NRC's six-volume decadal physics survey. The book reviews the frontiers of physics research, examines the role of physics in our society, and makes recommendations designed to strengthen physics and its ability to serve important needs such as national security, the economy, information technology, and education.

Download or read book Ecological Understanding written by Steward T.A. Pickett and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2013-10-22 with total page 221 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ecology is an historical science in which theories can be as difficult to test as they are to devise. This volume, intended for ecologists and evolutionary biologists, reviews ecological theories, and how they are generated, evaluated, and categorized. Synthesizing a vast and sometimes labyrinthine literature, this book is a useful entry into the scientific philosophy of ecology and natural history. The need for integration of the contributions to theory made by different disciplines is a central theme of this book. The authors demonstrate that only through such integration will advances in ecological theory be possible. Ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and other serious students of natural history will want this book.

Download or read book Global Environmental Change written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1991-02-01 with total page 321 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Global environmental change often seems to be the most carefully examined issue of our time. Yet understanding the human sideâ€"human causes of and responses to environmental changeâ€"has not yet received sustained attention. Global Environmental Change offers a strategy for combining the efforts of natural and social scientists to better understand how our actions influence global change and how global change influences us. The volume is accessible to the nonscientist and provides a wide range of examples and case studies. It explores how the attitudes and actions of individuals, governments, and organizations intertwine to leave their mark on the health of the planet. The book focuses on establishing a framework for this new field of study, identifying problems that must be overcome if we are to deepen our understanding of the human dimensions of global change, presenting conclusions and recommendations.

Download or read book Respect for Nature written by Paul W. Taylor and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2011-04-11 with total page 344 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What rational justification is there for conceiving of all living things as possessing inherent worth? In Respect for Nature, Paul Taylor draws on biology, moral philosophy, and environmental science to defend a biocentric environmental ethic in which all life has value. Without making claims for the moral rights of plants and animals, he offers a reasoned alternative to the prevailing anthropocentric view--that the natural environment and its wildlife are valued only as objects for human use or enjoyment. Respect for Nature provides both a full account of the biological conditions for life--human or otherwise--and a comprehensive view of the complex relationship between human beings and the whole of nature. This classic book remains a valuable resource for philosophers, biologists, and environmentalists alike--along with all those who care about the future of life on Earth. A new foreword by Dale Jamieson looks at how the original 1986 edition of Respect for Nature has shaped the study of environmental ethics, and shows why the work remains relevant to debates today.

Download or read book Quantitative Analysis and Modeling of Earth and Environmental Data written by Jiaping Wu and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2021-12-04 with total page 504 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Quantitative Analysis and Modeling of Earth and Environmental Data: Space-Time and Spacetime Data Considerations introduces the notion of chronotopologic data analysis that offers a systematic, quantitative analysis of multi-sourced data and provides information about the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of natural attributes (physical, biological, health, social). It includes models and techniques for handling data that may vary by space and/or time, and aims to improve understanding of the physical laws of change underlying the available numerical datasets, while taking into consideration the in-situ uncertainties and relevant measurement errors (conceptual, technical, computational). It considers the synthesis of scientific theory-based methods (stochastic modeling, modern geostatistics) and data-driven techniques (machine learning, artificial neural networks) so that their individual strengths are combined by acting symbiotically and complementing each other. The notions and methods presented in Quantitative Analysis and Modeling of Earth and Environmental Data: Space-Time and Spacetime Data Considerations cover a wide range of data in various forms and sources, including hard measurements, soft observations, secondary information and auxiliary variables (ground-level measurements, satellite observations, scientific instruments and records, protocols and surveys, empirical models and charts). Including real-world practical applications as well as practice exercises, this book is a comprehensive step-by-step tutorial of theory-based and data-driven techniques that will help students and researchers master data analysis and modeling in earth and environmental sciences (including environmental health and human exposure applications). Explores the analysis and processing of chronotopologic (i.e., space-time and spacetime) data that varies spatially and/or temporally, which is the case with the majority of data in scientific and engineering disciplines Studies the synthesis of scientific theory and empirical evidence (in its various forms) that offers a mathematically rigorous and physically meaningful assessment of real-world phenomena Covers a wide range of data describing a variety of attributes characterizing physical phenomena and systems including earth, ocean and atmospheric variables, environmental and ecological parameters, population health states, disease indicators, and social and economic characteristics Includes case studies and practice exercises at the end of each chapter for both real-world applications and deeper understanding of the concepts presented

Download or read book Taxmann s Environmental Science Theory into Practice Holistic Guide For Environmental Issues New Topics Point Wise Explanations Case Studies Experiential Learning NEP UGCF written by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Batra and published by Taxmann Publications Private Limited. This book was released on 2024-06-18 with total page 24 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is a comprehensive & authentic book on 'Environmental Studies'. This book is an imperative educational resource that will be of value and interest to everyone seeking to broaden their understanding of the science behind environmental issues. It is designed for students of: • Environmental Science | Theory into Practice (I & II) at UG Level (AEC-I) based on the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) for the University of Delhi • Non-Collegiate Women's Education Board • School of Open Learning of the University of Delhi • Various Central Universities throughout India The Present Publication is the 7th Edition, authored by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Batra, Dr. Kanchan Batra & Prof. Harpreet Kaur, with the following noteworthy features: • [Written in Accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP)] that applies to universities all over India • [Simple & Systematic Presentation] Subject matter is presented in a simple, systematic method with comprehensive explanations of concepts and theories underlying environmental studies • [Comprehensive Case Studies] Covers case studies from both Indian and global scenarios • [Entrepreneurial Stories] Includes case studies and brief sketches of successful entrepreneurial stories • Key Topics o Includes special topics such as: § Environment Policies § Human Population Growth § G20 Summit o Ecosystem o Natural Resources o Biodiversity o Disaster Management o Greenhouse Effect o Endangered Species • [Environmental Issues] including: o Pollution o Ozone Layer Depletion o Global Warming o Conservation of Biodiversity • [Questions and Exercises] include: o Review Questions o Subjective Type Questions o Objective Type Questions o Practical Exercises o Experiential Activities o Outreach Activities • Past Exam Question Papers o Environmental Studies Paper – 2020 (OBE) (CBCS) o Environmental Studies Paper – 2021 (OBE) (CBCS) o Environmental Science Paper – January 2023 (AEC-1, UGCF), SEM. – I o Environmental Science Paper – January 2023 (AEC-1, UGCF), SEM. – III o Environmental Science Paper – July 2023 (AEC-1, UGCF), SEM. – I o Environmental Science Paper – January 2024 (AEC-1, UGCF), SEM. – I o Environmental Science Paper – January 2024 (AEC-1, UGCF), SEM. – III o Environmental Science Paper – May 2024 (AEC -1, UGCF), SEM. – II • [Student-Oriented Approach] This book has been developed considering: o Interaction of the author/teacher with students in the classroom o Shaped by the author/teacher's experience of teaching the subject matter at different levels o Incorporates student reactions and responses at various points in the book The structure of the book is as follows: • Each chapter begins with a broad introduction, providing a conceptual outline • Followed by a point-wise elucidation of each topic • Incorporates new case studies relevant to the latest syllabus to enhance understanding The contents of this book are as follows: • Introduction to Environmental Studies o Multi-disciplinary nature of environmental studies o Components of the environment o Scope and importance of environmental studies o Concept of sustainability and sustainable development o Brief history of environmentalism o Includes review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises • Ecosystems o Definition and concept of ecosystems o Structure and functions of ecosystems (energy flow, food chains, nutrient cycling) o Concepts of productivity and ecological pyramids o Ecosystem homeostasis and types of ecosystems (tundra, forest, grassland, desert, aquatic) o Ecosystem services, preservation, conservation strategies, and basics of ecosystem restoration o Includes case studies, review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises • Natural Resources o Detailed discussion on natural resources, including renewable resources, water resources, and energy resources o Includes case studies, review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises • Environmental Pollution o Explanation of environmental pollution and its types (air, water, soil, thermal, noise) o Discussion on nuclear hazards, their effects, and health risks o Solid waste management, including technologies for processing, treatment, and disposal of solid waste, vermicomposting, and e-waste management o Hazardous wastes and their management o Includes case studies, review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises • Global Environmental Issues and Policies o Causes of climate change and international agreements and programs (Earth Summit, UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, Montreal Protocol, CBD, Ramsar Convention, UNEP, CITES) o Sustainable Development and India's National Action Plan on Climate Change o Environment legislation in India and the role of G-20 in sustainability o Includes review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises • Biodiversity & Conservation o Definition and levels of biodiversity o Biogeographic zones of India and global biodiversity hotspots o India as a mega-diversity nation with discussions on endangered and endemic species o Threats to biodiversity, poaching, man-wildlife conflicts, and biological invasions o Current mass extinction crisis and conservation strategies (in-situ and ex-situ conservation) o Types of species (keystone, flagship, umbrella, and indicator), species reintroduction, and translocation o Values and ecological roles of biodiversity, including sacred groves o Includes case studies, review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises • Human Communities and the Environment o Human population growth and its impacts on the environment, human health, and welfare o Concept of carbon footprint o Resettlement and rehabilitation of development project-affected persons and communities o Discussion on disasters, disaster management, and environmental movements o Environmental justice, philosophy, and ethics o Role of world religions and cultures in environmental conservation o Environmental communication and public awareness o Includes case studies, review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises

Download or read book Environmental Philosophy written by Sahotra Sarkar and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2012-02-07 with total page 239 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first comprehensive treatment of environmental philosophy, going beyond ethics to address the philosophical concepts that underlie environmental thinking and policy-making today Encompasses all of environmental philosophy, including conservation biology, restoration ecology, sustainability, environmental justice, and more Offers the first treatment of decision theory in an environmental philosophy text Explores the conceptions of nature and ethical presuppositions that underlie contemporary environmental debates, and, moving from theory to practice, shows how decision theory translates to public policy Addresses both hot-button issues, including population and immigration reform, and such ongoing issues as historical legacies and nations' responsibility and obligation for environmental problems Anchors philosophical concepts to their practical applications, establishing the priority of the discipline's real-world importance

Download or read book Futures Research and Environmental Sustainability written by James K. Lein and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2016-12-08 with total page 157 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores the challenges of presenting sustainability as a more actionable or practical concept and identifying approaches that might offer useful assistance in addressing the temporal and spatial representation of sustainability. The underlying premise of this book is that sustainability is a state realized in the future. In that future there is a geographic arrangement of society and economy that agrees with its environmental setting. This future perspective introduces a little examined subject area that can lend significant content to the sustainability challenge: Futures Research.

Download or read book Decision Science for Future Earth written by Tetsukazu Yahara and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-01-29 with total page 251 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This open access book provides a theoretical framework and case studies on decision science for regional sustainability by integrating the natural and social sciences. The cases discussed include solution-oriented transdisciplinary studies on the environment, disasters, health, governance and human cooperation. Based on these case studies and comprehensive reviews of relevant works, including lessons learned from past failures for predictable surprises and successes in adaptive co-management, the book provides the reader with new perspectives on how we can co-design collaborative projects with various conflicts of interest and how we can transform our society for a sustainable future. The book makes a valuable contribution to the global research initiative Future Earth, promoting transdisciplinary studies to bridge the gap between science and society in knowledge generation processes and supporting efforts to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Compared to other publications on transdisciplinary studies, this book is unique in that evolutionary biology is used as an integrator for various areas related to human decision-making, and approaches social changes as processes of adaptive learning and evolution. Given its scope, the book is highly recommended to all readers seeking an integrated overview of human decision-making in the context of social transformation.