For more than two decades, Botkin has helped environmental scientists apply ecological science to environmental management. Updated and revised to include the latest research in the field, the seventh edition continues to present a balanced analytical and interdisciplinary approach to the field. It emphasizes the scientific process throughout to develop critical thinking skills.

The material has been streamlined to bring the issues and the science to the forefront. The new design and updated images help to highlight key points. Five central themes are also presented to help environmental scientists think about the issues: Human Population Growth, Sustainability, A Global Perspective, An Urban World, and Science and Values.