Ecological Numeracy

Master the fundamental math skills necessary to quantify andevaluate a broad range of environmental questions. Environmental issues are often quantitative--how much land, howmany people, what amount of pollution. Computer programs areuseful, but there is no substitute for being able to use a simplecalculation to slice through to the crux of the problem. Having agrasp of how the factors interact and whether the results makesense allows one to explain and argue a point of view forcefully todiverse audiences. With an engaging, down-to-earth style and practical problem-solvingapproach, Ecological Numeracy makes it easy to understand andmaster basic mathematical concepts and techniques that areapplicable to life-cycle assessment, energy consumption, land use,pollution generation, and a broad range of other environmentalissues. Robert Herendeen brings the numbers to life with dozens offascinating, often entertaining examples and problems. Requiring only a moderate quantitative background, EcologicalNumeracy is a superb introduction for advanced undergraduatestudents in environmental science, planning, geography, andphysical and natural sciences. It is also a valuable professionalresource for environmental managers, regulators, andadministrators.

Context and Acclimatization. Contributions to Environmental Impact: Analyzing the Components ofChange. Consequences of Exponential (Geometric) Growth. End-Use Analysis and Predicting Future Demand. Economic Considerations, Discount Rates, and Benefit-CostAnalysis. Limits. Dynamics, Stocks and Flows, Age Class Effects. Indirect Effects. Shared Resources and the Tragedy of the Commons. The Automobile: A Powerful Problem. Ecological Economics and Sustainability. Thermodynamics and Energy Efficiency. Appendices. References. Index.