Reference Reviews

Doug’s Student Reference Room

Environmental Science: In Context, edited by Brenda Wilmoth Lerner and K. Lee Lerner. 2 vols., 289 pp. Detroit, MI: Gale, 2009. ISBN 13: 978-1-4144-31536172-3; ISBN 10: 1-4144-3617-3. $245.

The editors of this set write that Environmental Science: In Context places special emphasis on exploring the impacts of human habitation and economic activity on the environment. The 250 alphabetically arranged articles, written by a group of scientists, journalists, legal experts and scholars, include topics such as air pollution, alternative fuels, biodiversity, climate change, deforestation, global warming, marine water quality, nuclear power, superfund sites, watersheds and wildlife protection policies. The editors also note that this work “reflects the scientific consensus regarding global climate change—that it is real and an urgent global problem—and offers topics devoted to explaining both the science and the social challenges.” In fact, many of the articles do discuss the connection between the featured topic and global warming, either by cause or effect. Articles are written in a consistent format; the introduction provides an overview and definition of the topic, followed by historical background and scientific foundations. Next is either an “issues and impacts” or “modern cultural connections” section, which explores the social, political or scientific implications around the topic. Each entry also includes a “Words to Know” sidebar of a few key terms, a “see also” cross-reference and a brief bibliography of additional resources. Occasional primary source documents, including congressional testimony, excerpts from environmental treaties and newspaper and magazine articles, supplement some entries, as do more than 250 color photos, illustrations, charts and graphs. At the beginning of each volume are a glossary of key terms and a chronology of environmental events from earth’s beginnings to the 21st century. An extensive bibliography of resources consulted in the writing of this collection is included in the second volume, as is a comprehensive index. This set is an excellent resource for introductory information on a wide range of environmental issues and would make an ideal starting point for high school and community college research projects on environmental topics. Recommended for high school and community college libraries.