Compact yet comprehensive, this text 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. The text helps students to see how their knowledge of basic chemistry can be used to understand the nature of the Earth and the impact of human activity upon it.