Welcome to Faces in the Environment, a module in the series Faces in the Molecular Sciences. In these modules you will read about real scientists, some famous and some not so famous, who have made all kinds of contributions to the world through science. We hope that you learn from this module that science is the work of people, real people like yourselves. The work of some of the scientists you'll meet has been revolutionary. The work of others you'll meet will be the less glamorous everyday sort of science that changes the world through small steps rather than giant ones. The world of science is a vast and varied place where all kinds of people with all kinds of abilities are needed and can make contributions. Real science is the work of everyday people as well as superstars.

In this module you will explore the world of environmental chemistry, with special emphasis on the question of the hole that has formed in the ozone layer, and how the things we do affect this problem. In your exploration you will meet the son of a Mexican diplomat whose seemingly theoretical studies of atmospheric chemistry yielded some chilling results, a Texan whose love of animals unexpectedly led him into atmospheric chemistry, and an investigator from Chicago whose study of the ozone hole took her to the very end of the earth. In addition, you will have the chance to explore some of the many other environmental issues we face and the chemistry essential to understanding them.

That said, we the authors hope that you have fun using this module, and that it will help you expand your knowledge and enjoyment of the world around you.

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