This major anthology is the first to apply a fully interdisciplinary approach to environmental studies. A comprehensive guide to environmental literacy, the book demonstrates how the sciences, social sciences, and humanities all contribute to understanding our interrelationships with the natural world. Though not specialized, "Environment" is a book that even specialists can learn from. Ten innovative case studies - climate shock, species endangerment, nuclear power, biotechnology, sustainable development, deforestation, environmental security, globalization, wilderness, and the urban environment - are followed by readings from specific disciplines. These can be integrated with the case studies to shape individual interests and teaching strategies. The volume presents an imaginative array of texts, from scientific papers to poetry, legal decisions to historical accounts, personal essays to economic analysis. Taken together, these selections provide a balanced, authoritative, and up-to-date treatment of key issues in environmental studies.

Author Biography

Glenn Adelson has taught conservation biology at Harvard University and is co-author of Biodiversity: Exploring Values and Priorities in Conservation. James Engell is Gurney Professor of English; professor of comparative literature; chair, English & American Literature & Language; and faculty member of the Harvard University Center for the Environment. Brent Ranalli is senior analyst at The Cadmus Group, Inc., an employee-owned environmental consulting firm. K. P. Van Anglen teaches English at Boston University and is author, editor, or contributor to various publications on Thoreau and other American and English writers.