Free Online Textbook List / Green Science

Online Green Degree Textbooks

There are a multitude of things that come to mind when we talk about "Going Green". It can refer to anything from recycling, leaving a smaller carbon footprint or alternative energy. To some it means sustainable living. My plan is that as I find online textbooks and educational material on any of these topics, I will put them under this one general category that I'm calling Green Science.

In the broadest sense, every textbook on Online Degree Discussion is a green textbook. After all, their very electronic formats are decidedly green and environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, so far, I've only come across one online textbook specifically written on these topics. To be honest, I need to spend more time looking for good resources to include here. Hopefully, there will be many more materials added here in the future.

As always, I invite authors, students and life-long learners to use my contact us form to let me know about any free green-related textbook resources that I may have missed.

 
Green Chemistry, 2nd Edition
An introductory level chemistry textbook which presents "a body of chemical knowledge from the most fundamental level within a framework of the relationship of chemical science to human beings, their surroundings, and their environment. This book discusses real-world chemistry, introducing chemical principles as needed." Written by Dr. Stanley Manahan and available online as a PDF download.

Last Verified: (Sep 10, 2011) Report Broken Listing

 
 
Green Technology Strategies
Tom Worthington's online textbook discusses "how to use computers and telecommunications in a way that maximises positive environmental benefit, with minimum energy and materials use." Students will learn how to estimate the carbon footprint of the ICT operations of a company and assess ways to reduce that carbon footprint.

Last Verified: (Sep 9, 2011) Report Broken Listing

 
 
Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry
This textbook was written by Professor Daniel J. Jacob from Harvard University for an undergraduate course. Target students are studying engineering or natural sciences. The textbook covers the basics of atmospheric chemistry and its application to major environmental problems. Chapter titles include: Measures of Atmospheric Composition, Atmospheric Pressure, Simple Models, Atmospheric Transport, The Continuity Equation, Geochemical Cycles, The Greenhouse Effect, Aerosols, Chemical Kinetics, Stratospheric Ozone, Oxidizing Power of the Troposphere, Ozone Air Pollution, Acid Rain and Numerical Solutions to Problems.

Last Verified: (Oct 10, 2011) Report Broken Listing

 

 
Sustainable Energy - Without the Hot Air
David MacKay FRS, a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Cambridge, offers a honest assessment of what energy sources are truly sustainable and which ones may offer little more than snake oil. This online textbook uses simple language, charts and diagrams to explain the science and make this a work readable by all students; not just the science majors.

Last Verified: (Sep 11, 2011) Report Broken Listing