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Essential Environment: The Science Behind the Stories, 7th edition

Published by Pearson (August 15, 2024) © 2025

  • Jay H Withgott
  • Matthew Laposata Kennesaw State University

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For courses in introductory environmental science.

Show students how science informs the goal of a sustainable society

Today’s students will shape tomorrow’s world. Essential Environment: The Science Behind the Stories engages them in science through current environmental issues that can impact their daily lives. It is known for its reader-friendly narrative style, integration of real stories and case studies, and presentation of the latest science and research.

The 7th Edition makes it easy for students to see data with new infographic-style illustrations; shows connections between case studies and students’ lives with new local connections activities; adds new success stories; and much more.

Hallmark features of this title

  • Data Qs in figures challenge students to practice quantitative skills of interpretation and analysis.
  • Coverage of topical issues keeps pace with and incorporates the most recent data available and enhances discussion of emerging issues.
  • Weighing the Issues questions help develop critical-thinking skills needed to navigate multifaceted issues at the juncture of science, policy, and ethics.
  • Calculating Ecological Footprint activities conclude each chapter and enable students to quantify and measure the impacts of their choices.
  • Science Behind the Story essays provide examples of real research around environmental issues and highlight how scientists develop hypotheses, test predictions, and analyze and interpret data.
  • FAQs examine common misconceptions students often hold about environmental issues.

New and updated features of this title

  • NEW: DataGraphic feature brings to life key environmental science questions. The 8 DataGraphics strengthen students’ analytical thinking, fostering the ability to draw conclusions when provided with relevant data.
    • Each posts a question, assembles an array of datasets, and leads to a unifying conclusion. Examples include “Will Nigeria’s population overwhelm its water supply?” in Ch. 6; “Can we save the world’s biodiversity”? in Ch. 8; and “How can we stop global warming?” in Ch. 14.
  • NEW: 4 new Central Case Studies include a new fly-over feature that allows students to “travel” across the regions in the case studies. Examples in this revision include “Can Borneo Sustain Its Biodiversity?” (Ch. 8) and “Wind and Sun in Texas” (Ch. 16). All other Central Case Studies have been updated to reflect recent developments.
  • NEW: 9 new Science Behind the Story features include “Thailand’s Successful Population Program: Creativity over Coercion” (Ch. 2); “How Do Invasive Carp Affect Aquatic Communities?” (Ch. 4); “Why and How Does Global Warming Lead to Extreme Weather Events?” (Ch. 14); “Do People Today Suffer Environmental Health Impacts from Past Discrimination?” (Ch. 18); and more.
  • NEW / REVISED: Data Q, FAZ, Weighing the Issues, and Success Story features incorporate user feedback and add new examples where appropriate.
  • REVISED: Updated information throughout on scientific advances, societal trends and events includes new efforts to fight climate change; impacts from devastating wildfires; COVID-19 pandemic ramifications; and much more. Additionally, a new section in Ch. 1 discusses how to assess online information sources for reliability.

Features of Mastering Environmental Science for the 7th Edition

  • Process of Science coaching activities by coauthor Matt Laposata help students think critically about environmental research featured in the in-text Science Behind the Stories.
  • BIAS test activities help students think critically about the validity of environmental science-related statements in the news and on social media.  
  • Interpreting Graphs and Data activities help students develop basic data analysis skills and provide practice applying these skills by interpreting data about environmental issues. Each question is paired with a Data Q question.
  • Success Story Coaching activities pair with the text’s new Success Story and allow students to explore the data behind each sustainable solution.
  • Case Study Video Tours striking images delivered in highly engaging videos to bring chapter-opening Case Studies to life.
  • GraphIt! coaching activities help students read, interpret and create graphs that explore environmental issues using real data.

1. Science and Sustainability: An Introduction to Environmental Science

  • Our Island, Earth
  • The Nature of Environmental Science
  • The Science Behind the Story: What Are the Lessons of Easter Island?
  • The Nature of Science
  • Environmental Ethics
  • Sustainability and Our Future

2. Environmental Systems: Matter, Energy, and Ecosystems

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY The Vanishing Oysters of the Chesapeake Bay
  • Earth's Environmental Systems
  • Matter, Chemistry, and the Environment
  • Energy Fundamentals
  • Ecosystems
  • The Science Behind the Story: Thailand’s Successful Population Program: Creativity over Coercion
  • Biogeochemical Cycles

3. Evolution, Biodiversity, and Population Ecology

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY Saving Hawaii's Native Forest Birds
  • Evolution: The Source of Earth's Biodiversity
  • Ecology and the Organism
  • Population Ecology
  • The Science Behind the Story: Forest Restoration Boosting Bird Populations at Hakalu Forest?
  • Conserving Biodiversity

4. Species Interactions and Community Ecology

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY Black and White, and Spread All Over: Zebra Mussels Invade the Great Lakes
  • Species Interactions
  • Ecological Communities
  • The Science Behind the Story: How Do Invasive Carp Affect Aquatic Communities?
  • Earth's Biomes

5. Economics, Policy, and Sustainable Development

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY Costa Rica Values Its Ecosystem Services
  • Economics and the Environment
  • Environmental Policy: An Overview
  • The Science Behind the Story: Do Payments Help Preserve Forest?
  • U.S. Environmental Law and Policy
  • International Environmental Policy
  • Approaches to Environmental Policy
  • Sustainable Development

6. Human Population

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY China's One-Child Policy: Is It a Population "Time Bomb"?
  • Our World at Seven Billion
  • Demography
  • Population and Society
  • The Science Behind the Story: Did Soap Operas Reduce Fertilityin Brazil?

7. Soil, Agriculture, and the Future of Food

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY Sustainable Food and Dining at the University of Michigan
  • The Race to Feed the World
  • The Changing Face of Agriculture
  • Soils
  • Maintaining Healthy Soils
  • Watering and Fertilizing Crops
  • Controlling Pests, Preserving Pollinators
  • Raising Animals for Food
  • Genetically Modified Food
  • The Growth of Sustainable Agriculture
  • The Science Behind the Story: We Help Pollinators. Will it Boost Crop Production?

8. Biodiversity and Conservation Biology

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY Can Borneo Sustain Its Biodiversity?
  • The Race to Feed the World
  • The Changing Face of Agriculture
  • Soils
  • Maintaining Healthy Soils
  • Watering and Fertilizing Crops
  • Controlling Pests, Preserving Pollinators
  • Raising Animals for Food
  • Genetically Modified Food
  • The Growth of Sustainable Agriculture
  • The Science Behind the Story: Can Forensic DNA Analysis Help Save Sharks in Indonesia Waters??

9. Forests, Forest Management, and Protected Areas

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY Certified Sustainable Paper in Your Textbook
  • Forest Ecosystems and Forest Resources
  • Forest Loss
  • Forest Management
  • Parks and Protected Areas
  • The Science Behind the Story: Forest Fragmentation in the Amazon

10. Environmental Health and Toxicology

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY Bisphenol A Is Everywhere, But Is It Safe?
  • Environmental Health
  • Toxic Substances and Their Effects on Organisms
  • The Science Behind the Story: Testing the Safety of Bisphenol A
  • Toxic Substances and Their Effects on Ecosystems
  • Studying Effects of Hazards
  • Risk Assessment and Risk Management

11. Geology, Minerals, and Mining

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY Mining for … Cell Phones?
  • Geology: The Physical Basis for Environmental Science
  • Geologic and Natural Hazards
  • Earth's Mineral Resources
  • Mining Methods and Their Impacts
  • The Science Behind the Story: Can Acid Mine Drainage Reduce Fracking's
  • Environmental Impact?
  • Toward Sustainable Mineral Use

12. Fresh Water, Oceans, and Coasts

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY The Changing Face of Arizona Agriculture
  • Freshwater Systems
  • The Oceans
  • Marine and Coastal Systems
  • Effects of Human Activities on Waterways
  • Solutions to Depletion of Fresh Water
  • Water Pollution and Its Control
  • The Science Behind the Story: Predicting the Oceans' "Garbage Patches"
  • Emptying the Oceans

13. Atmospheric Science, Air Quality, and Pollution Control

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY Clearing the Air in L.A. and in Mexico City
  • The Atmosphere
  • Outdoor Air Quality
  • The Science Behind the Story: Measuring the Health Impacts of Mexico City's Air
  • Pollution
  • Ozone Depletion
  • Addressing Acid Deposition
  • Indoor Air Quality

14. Global Climate Change

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY Rising Seas May Flood the Maldives
  • Our Dynamic Climate
  • Studying Climate Change
  • The Science Behind the Story: Why and How Does Global Warming Lead to Extreme Weather Events?
  • Current and Future Trends and Impacts
  • Responding to Climate Change

15. Nonrenewable Energy Sources, Their Impacts, and Energy Conservation

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY Hydrofracking the Marcellus Shale
  • Sources of Energy
  • Fossil Fuels: Their Formation, Extraction, and Use
  • Reaching Further for Fossil Fuels … and Coping with the Impacts
  • The Science Behind the Story: What Health Impacts are Associated with Living Near a Fracking Site?
  • Energy Efficiency and Conservation
  • Nuclear Power

16. Renewable Energy Alternatives

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY Wind and Sun in Texas
  • Renewable Energy Sources
  • The Science Behind the Story: How Well Do Wind and Solar Complement One Another in Texas?
  • Solar Energy
  • Wind Power
  • Geothermal Energy
  • Ocean Energy Sources
  • Hydroelectric Power
  • Bioenergy
  • Hydrogen and Fuel Cells

17. Managing Our Waste

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY A Mania for Recycling on Campus
  • Approaches to Waste Management
  • Municipal Solid Waste
  • The Science Behind the Story: Tracking Trash
  • Industrial Solid Waste
  • Hazardous Waste

18. The Urban Environment: Creating Sustainable Cities

  • CENTRAL CASE STUDY Managing Growth in Portland, Oregon
  • Our Urbanizing World
  • Sprawl
  • Creating Livable Cities
  • Urban Sustainability
  • The Science Behind the Story: Do People Today Suffer Environmental Health Impacts from Past Discrimination?

APPENDICES

  • A. Answers to Data Analysis Questions
  • B. How to Interpret Graphs
  • C. Metric System
  • D. Periodic Table of the Elements
  • E. Geologic Time Scale
  • Glossary
  • Credits
  • Index

About our authors

Jay Withgott has authored Essential Environment as well as its parent volume, Environment: The Science behind the Stories, since their inception. In dedicating himself to these books, he works to keep abreast of a diverse and rapidly changing field and continually seeks to develop new and better ways to help today’s students learn environmental science.

As a researcher, Jay has published scientific papers in ecology, evolution, animal behavior, and conservation biology in journals ranging from Evolution to Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. As an instructor, he has taught university lab courses in ecology and other disciplines. As a science writer, he has authored articles for numerous journals and magazines including Science, New Scientist, BioScience, Smithsonian, and Natural History. By combining his scientific training with prior experience as a newspaper reporter and editor, he strives to make science accessible and engaging for general audiences. Jay holds degrees from Yale University, the University of Arkansas, and the University of Arizona.

Jay lives with his wife, biologist Susan Masta, in Portland, Oregon.

Matthew Laposata is a professor of environmental science at Kennesaw State University (KSU). He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in biology from Bowling Green State University, and a doctorate in ecology from The Pennsylvania State University.

Matt is the coordinator of KSU’s 2-semester general education science sequence titled Science, Society, and the Environment, which enrolls over 5000 students per year. He focuses exclusively on introductory environmental science courses and has enjoyed teaching and interacting with thousands of nonscience majors during his career. He is an active scholar in environmental science education and has received grants from state, federal and private sources to develop and evaluate innovative curricular materials. His scholarly work has received numerous awards, including the Georgia Board of Regents’ highest award for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.

Matt resides in suburban Atlanta with his wife, Lisa, and children Lauren, Cameron and Saffron.

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