Environment and Society: A Critical Introduction

Environment and Society: A Critical Introduction, Third Edition is an accessible textbook that introduces theoretical tools to explore real-world environmental problems. It explains nine key conceptual tools and applies them to various objects, such as bottled water, French fries, trees, wolves, and carbon dioxide. The text discusses major theoretical approaches for interpreting the environment-society relationship and examines critical environmental topics through case studies. It features updated chapters, additional resources, and instructor support. The textbook is ideal for courses in environmental issues, environmental science, and nature and society theory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

A comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the conceptual tools used to explore real-world environmental problems  Environment and Society: A Critical Introduction,Third Edition  demonstrates how theoretical approaches such as environmental ethics,political economy, and social construction work as conceptual tools to identify and clarify contemporary environmental issues. Assuming no background knowledge in the subject,this reader-friendly textbook uses clear language and engaging examples to first describe nine key conceptual tools,and then apply them to a variety of familiar objects—from bottled water and French fries to trees, wolves, and carbon dioxide. Throughout the text, highly accessible chapters provide insight into the relationship between the environment and present-day society.  Divided into two parts,the text begins by explaining major theoretical approaches for interpreting the environment-society relationship and discussing different perspectives about environmental problems. Part II examines a series of objects,each viewed through a sample of the theoretical tools from Part I,helping readers think critically about critical environmental topics such as deforestation, climate change,the global water supply, and hazardous e-waste. This fully revised third edition stresses a wider range of competing ways of thinking about environmental issues and features additional cases studies,up-to-date conceptual understandings,and new chapters in Part I on racializd environments and feminist approaches .

Commodities

The concept of commodities is central to the study of environmental issues, as it helps to understand how economic systems and markets shape the way we think about and interact with the natural world. Commodities are goods or services that are exchanged in markets, and they are often used to measure the value of environmental resources. For example, water is a commodity that is bought and sold in markets, and its value is determined by factors such as scarcity, demand, and quality. The commodification of water has led to concerns about water scarcity and the privatization of water resources, as well as the environmental impacts of water use and pollution.

Environmental ethics

Environmental ethics is a branch of philosophy that examines the ethical implications of human interactions with the environment. It seeks to identify and evaluate the moral principles that guide our actions towards the natural world and to develop strategies for promoting environmental sustainability and justice. Environmental ethics draws on a range of theoretical frameworks, including utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, to address issues such as the rights of nature, the responsibility of individuals to protect the environment, and the role of corporations in addressing environmental problems.

Risks and hazards

The study of risks and hazards is an important aspect of environmental analysis, as it helps to identify and assess the potential impacts of environmental threats on human health, the environment, and society. Risks and hazards can take many forms, including natural disasters, pollution, and disease outbreaks. Risk analysis involves the identification of potential risks, the assessment of their likelihood and severity, and the development of strategies for managing and mitigating those risks. Risk management is an important tool for promoting environmental sustainability and protecting human health and well-being.

Wolves

Wolves are a fascinating example of how the concept of commodities can be applied to the study of environmental issues. Wolves are a species that is often hunted for their fur, and their hunting has led to concerns about the impact of human activities on wildlife populations and the natural environment. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to protect wolves and restore their populations, as wolves play an important role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.

Tuna

Tuna is another example of how the concept of commodities can be applied to the study of environmental issues. Tuna is a species that is fished for its meat, and its fishing has led to concerns about overfishing and the impact of fishing on marine ecosystems. In response to these concerns, there have been efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices and to protect tuna populations and their habitats.

Trees

Trees are a vital component of the natural environment, and their health and sustainability are important to the health and sustainability of human societies. Trees provide a range of environmental benefits, including air purification, carbon sequestration, and habitat for wildlife. However, trees are also vulnerable to a range of environmental threats, including deforestation, climate change, and pollution. The study of trees and their role in the environment is an important aspect of environmental analysis, as it helps to identify and assess the potential impacts of environmental threats on tree populations and the natural environment.

Carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that is produced by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that is produced by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. It is a major contributor to climate change, and its impacts on the environment are becoming increasingly apparent. The study of carbon dioxide and its impacts on the environment is an important aspect of environmental analysis, as it helps to identify and assess the potential impacts of climate change on human societies and the natural world.

Weight: 814g
Dimension: 178 x 255 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119408239