Essential Environment: The Science behind the Stories is an introductory textbook that uses case studies and real data to demonstrate the role of science in solving pressing environmental problems. Dynamic central case studies are integrated throughout each chapter, capturing students' attention and providing them with a contextual framework on which to build their understanding of concepts in environmental science.

Science Behind the Story boxes explain how scientists know what they know about environmental problems, while opposing viewpoints on contentious environmental issues allow students to hear both sides of the story. The powerful instructor presentation package includes 5-minute video clips for use as lecture launchers and lecture outlines in PowerPoint. The student CD-Rom and website includes GRAPH-IT graphing tutorials which show students how to plot, interpret, and critically evaluate real data.

With only 14 chapters, Essential Environment: The Science behind the Stories avoids the encyclopedic approach of other textbooks on the market and instead offers only the essential concepts, theories, and principles of environmental science. In particular, the authors have condensed the material on environmental policy, agriculture, atmosphere, and water, providing the student with the essential material they need in a more concise, affordable format.