Compact, yet comprehensive, this book presents an unbiased and readable account of current environmental issues--with an in-depth explanation of the underlying chemical principles that determine the nature of the issues in question. It identifies major environmental issues in the areas of energy, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, and analyzes the chemical basis of those issues and the links between socio-economic indicators and impacts on the environment. Fossil Fuels. Nuclear Energy. Renewable Energy. Energy Utilization. Climate. Oxygen Chemistry. Stratospheric Ozone. Air Pollution. Water Resources. From Clouds to Water as Solvent. Lakes, Rivers, Wetlands, and Water as Ecological Medium. Water Pollution and Water Treatment. Nitrogen and Food Production. Insecticides and Herbicides. Toxic Chemicals. For anyone interested in the chemical principles that underlie current environmental issues.