Preface to the Second Edition

Three years have passed since the first edition of Basics of Environmental Science appeared. During
this time new concerns have arisen, the controversy in Britain over the safety and desirability of
genetically modified foods being the most spectacular example. At the same time, our understanding of
other issues has improved as more information about them has been gathered.

Revising the book for its new edition has given me the opportunity to add more information where it
is now available and to outline some of the new controversies, including that over genetically modified
food. At the same time I have been able to study the whole of the text and to bring it up to date where
necessary.

At intervals throughout the book I have added links to sites on the World Wide Web. This has now
become an invaluable educational resource and I am delighted to have been able to weave this book into
its fabric.

Revised, updated, and modernized, I hope that the new edition will be of value and interest to everyone
seeking to broaden their understanding of the science behind environmental issues.

Michael Allaby

Wadebridge, Cornwall

November 1999

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