Summary

The early 21st century may someday be looked upon as a pivotal point in the Earth's history. At its most dramatic, this era might one day be thought of as the beginning of the end. The present decade marks a milestone in which the majority of people in industrialized nations and a large portion of people in the developing world are now feeling the effects of too many humans, too much waste, and the disappearance of plant and animal species faster than at any other time in history.

Sustainability describes the innovations that will likely play a role in the near future for creating a critical mass in the environment's favor. Opening with a chapter describing the ecosystem of humans, animals, plants, and other life, this new full-color guide provides an overview of ecology and the philosophy of living for the environment rather than taking from it. It goes on to explore some places in the world that have started making changes in order to live in a sustainable way as well as some new materials that conserve natural resources.

Chapters include:

• Ecosystem Health
• Green Biotechnology
• Sustainable Agriculture and Biopesticides
• White Biotechnology
• Marine Biotechnology
• Alternative Materials and Products
• Sustainable Communities.

Specifications

Full-color photographs and line illustrations. Index. Appendixes. Glossary. Sidebars. Print and Web resources. Tables and charts.

About the Author(s)

Anne Maczulak, Ph.D., has more than 25 years of experience as a microbiologist in university laboratories. She completed her undergraduate and master's studies at Ohio State University and earned her doctorate from the University of Kentucky. She has authored peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports and has served on corporate microbiology committees. Maczulak has given presentations to national environmental health associations as well as workshops on surface water.