Hydronarratives: Water, Environmental Justice, and a Just Transition

The story of water in the US is one of ecosystemic disruption and social injustice, with low-income communities, Indigenous communities, and communities of color facing disproportionate effects of floods, droughts, sea level rise, and water contamination. Matthew S. Henry's book "Hydronarratives" examines cultural representations that imagine a just transition, a concept rooted in the US labor and environmental justice movements, to describe an alternative economic paradigm predicated on sustainability, economic and social equity, and climate resilience. He explores how writers, artists, and activists have creatively responded to intensifying water crises and argues that narrative and storytelling are critical to environmental and social justice advocacy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2022
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

The story of water in the United States is a complex tapestry woven with threads of ecosystemic disruption and social injustice. From the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota to Flint, Michigan, and the Appalachian coal and gas fields, as well as the Gulf Coast, low-income communities, Indigenous communities, and communities of color bear the brunt of the disproportionate impacts of floods, droughts, sea level rise, and water contamination. These communities face a relentless battle against the forces of nature, often lacking the resources and support to mitigate the devastating effects of water-related disasters.

In his book "Hydronarratives," Matthew S. Henry delves into the cultural representations that envision a just transition, a concept rooted in the U.S. labor and environmental justice movements. This concept represents an alternative economic paradigm centered around sustainability, economic and social equity, and climate resilience. Henry's focus lies in regions of water insecurity, spanning from central Arizona to central Appalachia. Through his exploration, he uncovers how writers, artists, and activists have responded creatively to the intensifying water crises in the United States. He argues that narrative and storytelling hold immense power in advocating for environmental and social justice.

Henry's project is a timely endeavor that examines the social movement, just transition, and the logic of the Green New Deal, as well as contemporary visions of environmental justice. By drawing on a vast and comprehensive range of narrative texts, historical documentation, policy papers, and literary and cultural scholarship, Henry presents a rich and nuanced analysis of the water crisis in the United States. His work sheds light on the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social issues, and highlights the urgent need for transformative solutions.

Through his meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Henry invites readers to engage with the complex dynamics of water and its impact on communities. He challenges us to think critically about the systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality, and encourages us to work towards a more just and sustainable future. "Hydronarratives" is a valuable contribution to the field of environmental studies, offering insights into the power of narrative and storytelling in shaping our understanding of environmental justice and inspiring us to take action.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496233752