DIGITAL UPDATE available for Fall 2021 classes
For courses in introductory environmental science.
This ISBN is for the Modified Mastering access card. Pearson eText is included.
Engage students in science through current environmental issues
Essential Environment: The Science Behind the Stories by Jay Withgott and Matt Laposata is known for its student-friendly narrative style, integration of real stories and case studies, and presentation of the latest science and research. The 6 th Edition features new opportunities to help students see connections between integrated case studies and the science in each chapter and highlights sustainable solutions that have successfully helped address environmental problems.
Coverage of topical issues upholds the text’s hard-won reputation for currency, using the most recent data available and focusing on emerging issues. The succinct and affordable title is streamlined with updated coverage and carefully crafted to make the text readable, informative, and engaging.
Personalize learning with Mastering Environmental Science with Pearson eText
This flexible digital platform combines unrivaled content, online assessments, and customizable features to personalize learning and improve results, one student at a time.
Pearson eText is an easy-to-use digital textbook available within Mastering that lets you read, highlight, take notes, and review key vocabulary all in one place.
NOTE: Before purchasing, check with your instructor to confirm the correct ISBN. Several versions of the MyLab® and Mastering® platforms exist for each title, and registrations are not transferable. To register for and use MyLab or Mastering, you may also need a Course ID, which your instructor will provide.
Used books, rentals, and purchases made outside of Pearson
If purchasing or renting from companies other than Pearson, the access codes for the Mastering platform may not be included, may be incorrect, or may be previously redeemed. Check with the seller before completing your purchase.
About our authors
Jay Withgott has authored Essential Environment as well as Environment: The Science behind the Stories since their inception. In dedicating himself to these books, he works to keep abreast of a diverse and rapidly changing field and continually seeks to develop new and better ways to help today’s students learn environmental science.
As a researcher, Jay has published scientific papers in ecology, evolution, animal behavior, and conservation biology in journals ranging from Evolution to Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. As an instructor, he has taught university lab courses in ecology and other disciplines. As a science writer, he has authored articles for numerous journals and magazines including Science, New Scientist, BioScience, Smithsonian, and Natural History. By combining his scientific training with prior experience as a newspaper reporter and editor, he strives to make science accessible and engaging for general audiences. Jay holds degrees from Yale University, the University of Arkansas, and the University of Arizona.
Jay lives with his wife, biologist Susan Masta, in Portland, Oregon.
Matthew Laposata is a professor of environmental science at Kennesaw State University (KSU). He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in biology from Bowling Green State University, and a doctorate in ecology from The Pennsylvania State University.
Matt is the coordinator of KSUs two-semester general education science sequence titled Science, Society, and the Environment, which enrolls over 5000 students per year. He focuses exclusively on introductory environmental science courses and has enjoyed teaching and interacting with thousands of nonscience majors during his career. He is an active scholar in environmental science education and has received grants from state, federal, and private sources to develop and evaluate innovative curricular materials. His scholarly work has received numerous awards, including the Georgia Board of Regents highest award for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.
Matt resides in suburban Atlanta with his wife, Lisa, and children, Lauren, Cameron, and Saffron.
