The paper explores the concept of environmental science, as a science of complex interactions (physical, chemical and biological) that are very difficult to understand and quantify. This complexity is very often underestimated by the community, decision-makers and what is worst, scientists themselves. This leads to the danger that practical solutions developed may fail to achieve expected
... [Show full abstract] outcomes. Examples of very frequent underestimation of the complexity of environmental issues are discussed in the paper as well as approaches of university undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in this area. The conclusion presented is that the future depends on the ability of environmental science and technology to provide solutions to environmental problems.