Taking sides : clashing views on environmental issues / selected, edited, and with introductions by Thomas Easton.

Includes bibliographical references.

Unit 1: Environmental philosophy -- Is the precautionary principle a sound approach to risk analysis? -- Is sustainable development compatible with human welfare? -- Should a price be put on the goods and services provided by the world's ecosystems? -- Unit 2: Principles versus politics -- Should North America's landscape be restored to its pre-human state? -- Should the military be exempt from environmental regulations? -- Will restricting carbon emissions damage the U.S. economy? -- Unit 3: Energy issues -- Should we drill for offshore oil? -- Is carbon capture technology ready to limit carbon emissions? -- Is it time to put geothermal energy development on the fast track? -- Should cars be more efficient? -- Are biofuels responsible for rising food prices? -- Is it time to revive nuclear power? -- Unit 4: Food and population -- Are improved aid policies the best way to improve global food supply and protect world population? -- Is genetic engineering the answer to hunger? -- Can organic farming feed the world? -- Unit 5: Toxic chemicals -- Should DDT be banned worldwide? -- Do environmental hormone mimics pose a potentially serious health threat? -- Is the superfund program successfully protecting human health from hazardous materials? -- Should the United States reprocess spent nuclear fuel?

This debate-style reader is designed to introduce students to current controversies in environmental policy and science. The readings, which represent the arguments of leading environmentalists, scientists, and policy makers, are presented in pro/con format. Each issue is thoughtfully framed with an issue summary, an issue introduction, and a postscript or challenge questions. "Taking Sides" readers feature an annotated listing of selected World Wide Web sites. An online Instructor's Resource Guide with testing material is available for each volume.