Rationale:
The APA citation method is widely used in scientific, technical, and academic disciplines, including environmental science. It provides a clear framework for citing various sources, ensuring consistency and credibility in scholarly work.

Key Guidelines for APA Style:

1. In-Text Citations:
   • Format: (Author, Year)
   • Example: “Deforestation significantly impacts biodiversity (Smith, 2020).”
2. Reference List:
   • Structure: Author(s). (Year). Title of the work. Source/Publisher. DOI or URL (if applicable).
   • Example for a Journal Article:
     Smith, J. (2020). The impact of deforestation on biodiversity. Journal of Environmental Studies, 45(3), 123–134. https://doi.org/10.12345/env.2020.003
3. Books:
   • Example:
     Carson, R. (1962). Silent Spring. Houghton Mifflin.
4. Webpages:
   • Example:
     National Environmental Agency. (2021). Climate change and its effects. Retrieved from https://www.environment.gov

Why APA Style?

• It emphasizes the publication date, which is crucial for scientific topics where current research is key.
• It offers detailed formatting for diverse source types, including journal articles, books, and digital media.