9781422282922

7

Introduction

alternative energy sources. We’ll exam- ine howecologists and landscape designers are working together to create spaces like the very cool “rain gar- dens” that are begin- ning to populate urban areas. Our investigations aren’t just limited to North America. We’ll find out how Japanese environmental scien- tists arepioneering the use of “solar islands”—

See this beautiful meadow? If we want to see the same scene in 100 years, we’ve got work to do right now.

large floating assemblages of solar panels that provide lotsof cleanenergy. We’ll also get a look at a digital camera designed by Swedish researchers that canactuallyphotograph theamount of methane (one of the key greenhouse gases) in the air, and see ways that solar power is improving sanitation facilities in India and Africa. A little closer to home—in fact, in your own home—you’ll see how you can participate in evolving en- vironmental science technologies by using online tools like carbon calcu- lators. These accessible, easy-to-use programs can help you stay informed about howmuch carbon trees in your areaare takingout of theenvironment.

You’ll alsofindout ways you can check your city or town’s Air Quality Index, which measures the levels of pollut- ants in the air, and how to analyze your findings. Such participatory moments are key to the future of environmental sci- ence and the well-being of our Earth. In addition to showing you someways that scientists are reforming our rela- tionship to the planet, this book will hopefully inspire you to incorporate their lessons into your day-to-day life. Scientific advances can move us for- ward. But unless people get involved, inform themselves, and try to change their habits for the better, they will only take us so far. Onward!