Environmental Sciences: A Student’s Companion

Book Preface

At least three major developments have affected the environmental sciences in the 21st century. First, there has been a more holistic approach as it was appreciated that the increasingly specialized reductionist trends of the 20th century had to be complemented by a more integrated understanding, by more multidisciplinary research and studies, and by interdisciplinary endeavours. Knowing more and more about less and less was no longer sufficient to progress the environmental sciences. Second, there has been the greater acceptance of global climate change and greater awareness of the implications that it may bring. Therefore the environmental sciences have assumed greater familiarity in the minds of the general public. Third, the communication revolution, with availability of material through the internet, has altered the way in which students of the environmental sciences have access to data.

The idea for this volume was stimulated by the UK benchmark statement on EnvironmentalSciences and Environmental Studies at fi rst degree level prompting a suggestion from Robert Rojek. We envisaged that there could be a volume which introduced the field of environmental sciences in such a way that it would appeal to students in English-speaking countries, giving much relevant material for fi rst-year students following courses in subjects which make up the range of environmental sciences and environmental studies. It has been compiled so that it would be of most relevance to first year higher education (HE) students but would also serve as a reference during more advanced courses, have entries that are informative but concise, which are presented in a thought-provoking way, and use a standard level of reference citation with emphasis upon recent key references that can be used to follow up specific topics. Although an introductory text with some basic references this work could be consulted throughout the degree course, so it includes ‘scaled’ references pertinent to diff erent levels of HE programmes.

Introductory material is already provided in two ways, in basic texts and in dictionaries or encyclopaedias. Th ere are already a number of basic texts available and a range of dictionaries has already been published covering environmental sciences, earth sciences, ecology and geography, and other volumes are in preparation. However many existing volumes are so substantial that they would not be purchased by individual students. Th is publication therefore attempts a third type of provision, as a short benchmark volume introducing major concepts and contemporary issues that need to be appreciated and understood. This ‘third way’ benchmark volume is called a Companion, intended to be intermediate between a dictionary (expensive and extensive) and a textbook (several needed to cover the fi eld of environmental sciences). It has entries, arranged alphabetically in sections, each aiming to give a current and up-to-date summary of critical issues and concepts in the fi eld of environmental science. The book should be a starting point but is compiled bearing in mind the needs of students in the US and North America and in the southern hemisphere as well as in the UK and Europe. It is therefore a volume that first-year students can continue to use throughout their undergraduate course. Each article has recent key references and diagrams as necessary, introduces key words that are included in the index, cites websites that are pertinent and active in the summer of 2007, and reflects the current state of thinking. The index is extensive, containing many more terms than are elaborated in the text articles.

Entries are arranged alphabetically in six major sections which are entitled:

» Environmental Sciences;
» Environments;
» Paradigms/Concepts;
» Processes and Dynamics;
» Scales and Techniques;
» Environmental Issues.

The entry in the first section, on environmental sciences, provides an introduction to the volume, showing how a number of disciplines constitute the field of environmental sciences.

In The Revenge of Gaia James Lovelock suggests that we need ‘a book of knowledge …. for anyone interested in the state of the Earth and of us – a manual for living well and for survival …..it would be a primer of philosophy and science’ (Lovelock, 2006, p. 158). This Companion cannot aspire to meet that suggestion but it may perhaps contribute towards it.

Ken Gregory acknowledges the assistance of his wife in preparing the index together with her unfailing support for this venture. Tony Brazel gratefully acknowledges help by Sophia Tsong.

Every attempt has been made to obtain permission to reproduce copyright material, but if proper acknowledgement has not been made we invite copyright holders to please inform us of the oversight.

Kenneth J. Gregory
Ian G. Simmons