Science Magazine's State of the Planet 2006-2007

How often in today’s environmental debates have you

read that “the science is in dispute”—even when there is

overwhelming consensus among scientists? Too often,

the voice of science is diminished or diluted for the sake of politics, and the

public is misled. Now, the most authoritative voice in U.S. science, Science

magazine, brings you current scientific knowledge on today’s most pressing

environmental challenges, from population growth to climate change

to biodiversity loss.

Science Magazine’s State of the Planet 2006–2007 is a unique contribution

that brings together leading environmental scientists and researchers

to give readers a comprehensive yet accessible overview of current

issues. Included are explanatory essays from Science magazine editorin-

chief Donald Kennedy that tie together the issues and explore the

relationships among them. Each of the book’s 18 chapters is written by

the world’s leading experts, such as:

• Joel Cohen on population

• Peter Gleick on water

• Daniel Pauly on fisheries

• Thomas Karl on climate change science

• Paul Portney on energy and development

• Elinor Ostrom and Thomas Dietz on commons management

Interspersed throughout are Science news pieces that highlight particular

issues and cases relevant to the main scientific findings. An added

feature is the inclusion of definitions of key terms and concepts that

help students and nonspecialists understand the issues. Published

biennially, State of the Planet is a clear, accessible guide for readers of all

levels—from students to professionals.