Environmental Governance

Climate change is prompting an unprecedented questioning of the fundamental bases upon which society is founded. Businesses claim that technology can save the environment, while politicians champion the role of international environmental agreements to secure global action. Economists suggest that we should pay developing countries not to destroy their forests, while environmentalists question whether we can solve ecological problems with the same thinking that created them. Governance has a critical role to play in coordinating these disparate voices and securing collective action to achieve a more sustainable future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Climate change is igniting an unprecedented interrogation of the very foundations upon which society is built. Businesses assert that technology holds the key to rescuing the environment, while politicians advocate for the significance of international environmental agreements in driving global action. Economists propose compensating developing countries for not deforestation, raising questions about whether the same mindset that led to ecological issues can effectively solve them. As the process of steering society unfolds, governance assumes a paramount role in harmonizing these diverse perspectives and fostering collective action toward a more sustainable future.

Environmental Governance stands as the sole book dedicated to exploring the fundamental principles of governance, while also providing a comprehensive examination of the diverse theories and approaches that shape policy and practice in the realm of the environment. It contextualizes governance within its broader political framework, delving into how the environment is controlled, manipulated, regulated, and contested by a multitude of actors and institutions. This book unveils how network and market governance have shaped current approaches to environmental challenges, while also introducing concepts such as transition management and adaptive governance. By doing so, it sheds light on the strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches currently in play, and considers their political ramifications.

In this second edition, the book has undergone a thorough update to build upon the resounding success of its predecessor. A new chapter has been added on the environmental governance of outer space, and the analysis of international climate change summits has been updated to reflect the latest developments. This edition offers a groundbreaking overview of dominant and emerging approaches to environmental governance, forging critical connections between them. Each chapter in this comprehensive volume provides a deep dive into the intricacies of environmental governance, offering valuable insights and perspectives for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners alike.

In conclusion, Climate change is prompting an urgent need for a reevaluation of the foundations upon which society is constructed. Environmental Governance serves as a vital resource, offering a comprehensive exploration of governance principles and providing a critical analysis of the diverse theories and approaches that shape environmental policy and practice. By contextualizing governance within its political framework, this book sheds light on the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches, and considers their political implications. With its updated second edition, Environmental Governance continues to be a cornerstone for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to navigate the complex terrain of environmental governance and build a more sustainable future.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032369679
Edition number: 2 ed