9781422283264

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hat is environmental science? There is a short answer and a much longer answer to this ques- tion. The short answer is that environmental science is concerned with the relationship be- tween organisms (usually humans) and their surroundings. The longer answer is that environmental science is a branch of science concerned with the environ- ment. It uses physical and biological sciences to identify and find solutions to environmental problems. Environmental science involves fields such as ecology, biology, geology, physics, chemistry, and atmospheric sciences. Environmen- tal science started when people began to focus on natural sciences and medicine. Environmental science is more than just the study of the environment; it is the study of relation- ships and consequences and the future. People who study environmental science come from all backgrounds and walks of life. As you will discover in this book, there are many ways to be concerned with the environment and work to make the world a better place. These scientists made contributions including revolution- izing farming practices to protect the soil and increase pro- ductivity. Others worked to bring science opportunities to disadvantaged youth in the US, while yet others spent their careers focusing on how drilling for oil in remote regions in Africa can impact the environment. This book is part of a series highlighting the achieve- ments of black scientists. As you will read, many of the en- vironmental scientists in this book were met with opposi-

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Black Achievement in Science: Environmental Science