Environmental

The story of the American West is the story of a relentless quest for a precious resource: water. It is a tale of rivers diverted and dammed, of political corruptions and intrigue....

The grid is an accident of history and of culture, in no way intrinsic to how we produce, deliver and consume electrical power. Yet this is the system the United States ended up with....

A globe-trotting work of relentless investigative reporting, this is the first major book to expose the catastrophic reality of the multi-billion-dollar global garbage trade. Dumps and landfills around the world are overflowing. Disputes about what to do with the millions of tons of garbage...

“A tale of rapacious colonialism, Cold War spy games, dazzling technical innovation, big business rivalry, big power geopolitics . . . Niarchos has produced an unflinching, landmark work on the nature of extractive capitalism.” —Patrick Radden Keefe, New York Times best-selling author of...

Authors Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler document how progress in artificial intelligence, robotics, digital manufacturing synthetic biology, and other growing technologies will enable us to make greater gains in the next two decades than we have in the previous 200 years....

This "truly essential" audiobook will transform how you see our biggest environmental problems (Margaret Atwood)—and explains how we can solve them. It’s become common to tell kids that they’re going to die from climate change. We are constantly bombarded by doomsday headlines that tell us...

Most of us give little thought to the hidden systems that bring us water and take it away when we’re done. But these underappreciated marvels of engineering face an array of challenges....

“A visionary roadmap for people who believe they can change the world—and invaluable advice about bringing together the partners and technologies to help them do it.” —President Bill Clinton A radical, how-to guide for using exponential technologies, moonshot thinking, and crowd-powered...

In the twentieth century, wealth and power was dictated by access to oil. This century will have different kingmakers, perhaps different wars....

From understanding the complexities of disinfection methods to mastering the intricacies of water chemistry, this guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in one of the most crucial roles in public health.

""A phenomenal feat of journalism. . . . I tore through it like a novel but with the queasy knowledge that the whole damn thing is true."" —Sebastian Junger, author of The Perfect Storm and War Blending exclusive first-person interviews and penetrating investigative reporting, oil rig captain...

“Wonderfully written…Mr. Owen writes about water, but in these polarized times the lessons he shares spill into other arenas. The world of water rights and wrongs along the Colorado River offers hope for other problems.” —Wall Street Journal An eye-opening account of where our water...

As Charles Fishman brings vibrantly to life in this delightful narrative excursion, water runs our world in a host of awe-inspiring ways....

It's in our food, our clothes, and our homes. It's microplastic and it's everywhere—including our own bodies. Scientists are just beginning to discover how these tiny particles threaten health, but the studies are alarming....

A “fascinating” (New York Times Book Review) investigation into the human and environmental cost of fast fashion and global supply chains—and what we can actually do to enact change “A glimpse into how consumerism, slowed to a less ferocious pace, might be reconciled with sustainability...

Are you ready to advance your hazardous materials management career and earn the CHMM certification?

In this urgent, authoritative book, Bill Gates sets out a wide-ranging, practical--and accessible--plan for how the world can get to zero greenhouse gas emissions in time to avoid a climate catastrophe. Bill Gates has spent a decade investigating the causes and effects of climate change. With...

Water is the most fundamental of survival needs. While many communities around the world are used to struggling with water shortages, many of us have no clue what we would do in this sort of situation....

Prepare quickly and confidently for your EPA 608 Certification Exam with this concise, focused study guide. Covering the Core section along with ...

Russell Gold spent more than a decade reporting on one of the biggest stories of our time: the spectacular, world-changing rise of “fracking....

In an era where unpredictability is the only certainty, these essential guides are combined for those determined to be prepared for anything. This collection is not just about survival; it's about thriving in the face of the unknown.

Longlisted for the FT/McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award A groundbreaking chronicle of the birth--and death--of a pair of jeans, that exposes the fractures in our global supply chains, and our relationships to each other, ourselves, and the planet Take a look at your favorite pair of jeans...

Master the essential knowledge required for modern water system operation with Conquer the Drinking Water Operator Exam: Comprehensive Study Guide ...

Edward Humes investigates trash - what's in it; how much we pay for it; how we manage to create so much of it....

A powerful investigation into plastic’s impact on human health and the environment, and how we can fight back.

Groundwater monitoring technicians play a critical role in protecting environmental resources and ensuring the safety of subsurface water systems. This comprehensive study guide provides a clear, structured explanation of the technical knowledge used in groundwater monitoring, including monitoring well installation, environmental sampling procedures, hydrogeology principles, field instrumentation, groundwater flow behavior, and environmental safety practices. The book explores how groundwater moves through geological formations, how monitoring wells are installed and maintained, and how ...

Modern communities rely on vast underground networks that quietly move wastewater away from homes, businesses, and industries. Sewer system maintenance technicians play a critical role in keeping these systems functioning safely and efficiently. This comprehensive guide explains how wastewater collection systems operate and how technicians inspect, clean, maintain, and protect the infrastructure that supports public health. The book covers essential technical topics including sewer pipeline inspection, cleaning equipment, lift stations, flow monitoring, preventive maintenance, and ...

Master the essential skills and technical knowledge required to excel as a monitoring well installer. This comprehensive study guide covers all aspects of well construction, from site investigation and drilling techniques to screen selection, filter pack placement, and casing installation. Learn how to evaluate formations, design wells for reliable sampling, and apply proper safety protocols. Explore the principles of groundwater movement, hydraulic response, and aquifer types, and gain a deep understanding of water level measurement, sampling methods, and instrument deployment. Detailed ...

Master the fundamentals of geothermal well drilling with this comprehensive study guide. Covering every aspect of loop installation, casing, grouting, and borefield configuration, the book provides clear guidance on creating reliable, efficient geothermal systems. Understand the physics of heat exchange, thermal response, and flow dynamics, while exploring operational considerations such as pumping, manifold coordination, and surface equipment integration. Detailed insights into drilling rate, directional control, and formation behavior equip you with practical knowledge for successful ...

This comprehensive guide delivers a structured, technical foundation for understanding sanitation system installation, design, and performance. It explains how wastewater systems function as integrated treatment environments, showing how soil, hydraulics, biology, and structural components work together to ensure safe and effective operation. Each chapter builds practical knowledge that supports real-world competence in system construction and evaluation. The book explores essential topics including site analysis, soil behavior, drainage control, load balancing, flow monitoring, and system ...

Master the essential concepts and practical skills required to operate a wastewater treatment plant with confidence. This comprehensive study guide covers biological treatment, clarification, disinfection, sludge management, chemical dosing, instrumentation, and laboratory testing. Each topic is presented clearly and concisely, emphasizing core operational principles while providing detailed insight into process control, hydraulic management, and effluent quality. Designed for operators preparing for licensing exams or seeking professional mastery, this guide balances technical depth with ...

Master the essential knowledge required for modern water system operation with Conquer the Drinking Water Operator Exam: Comprehensive Study Guide for Treatment Systems, Distribution Basics, Disinfection, Regulations, Monitoring, Hydraulics, Sampling, Compliance, and Safety. This guide delivers a focused and practical explanation of how drinking water systems function, from source collection through treatment, storage, and distribution. Designed for clarity and efficiency, the book explains technical concepts in straightforward language while maintaining professional accuracy. Topics ...

This comprehensive study guide delivers a complete technical foundation for understanding modern water distribution systems, from pipeline hydraulics and pressure behavior to storage operations and system control. Each chapter explains how infrastructure components interact so readers can build a clear mental model of system function rather than memorizing isolated facts. The book explores essential operational concepts including flow dynamics, valve control, pressure stability, leak detection, system monitoring, and infrastructure reliability. Clear explanations emphasize cause-and-effect ...

Master the essential skills and knowledge required for installing and managing onsite wastewater systems with this comprehensive study guide. From site assessment to component installation, this guide covers soil evaluation, system layout, and drainfield design in clear, audiobook-friendly language. Learn how to ensure hydraulic balance and proper distribution in a variety of soil and terrain conditions. Explore mechanical systems including pumps, dosing mechanisms, and sensor-controlled flow. Understand how these components interact with soil absorption and biological treatment processes ...

Master the principles and practices of modern water treatment with this comprehensive study guide for water treatment operators. Covering filtration, chemical dosing, disinfection, process control, and water quality monitoring, this guide provides a complete overview of the essential technical knowledge needed to operate and manage water systems effectively. Each chapter delivers detailed explanations of key concepts, ensuring operators understand both theory and practical application. The guide addresses critical treatment processes, including coagulation, sedimentation, softening, ...