Stewardship and the Future of the Planet: Promise and Paradox

This volume explores historical and contemporary perspectives on stewardship, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts across disciplines to address ecological challenges and preserve life on Earth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into historical perspectives of stewardship, which have occasionally enabled humans to wreak havoc on the Earth, as well as contemporary and futuristic visions of stewardship that are essential for achieving pragmatic progress in preserving life on our planet as we know it. The concept of stewardship, which holds humans accountable for nurturing the Earth, has been deeply ingrained in human cultures throughout history, as evidenced by the Judeo-Christian Genesis narrative of the Garden of Eden and numerous similar tales from diverse traditions worldwide. Despite these foundational moral tales emphasizing the importance of preserving the Earth, humanity in the Anthropocene is currently hastening the planet's destruction at an alarming rate.

Much research in the fields of geography, urban studies, ocean research, and green business practice today provides valuable insights that can aid in addressing the ecological challenges confronting our planet. At the same time, scholarship in the humanities and other disciplines serves as a reminder that the damage inflicted on the Earth has often been perpetrated in the name of tending the land. To make significant strides in environmental stewardship, scholars must engage in interdisciplinary dialogue, as exemplified in this volume.

In the historical context, this volume explores the notion of stewardship as it has evolved over time, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of human engagement with the natural world. It examines how different cultures and societies have approached the responsibility of caring for the Earth, from the indigenous practices of sustainable resource management to the modern environmental movement. The authors analyze the historical roots of environmental degradation and explore the ways in which historical narratives and ideologies have shaped our understanding of the relationship between humans and the environment.

Furthermore, the volume examines the role of stewardship in shaping contemporary environmental policies and practices. It explores the challenges and opportunities presented by the global environmental crisis, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The authors analyze the policies and initiatives implemented by governments, corporations, and other stakeholders to address these issues, and assess their effectiveness in achieving sustainable development.

Looking ahead, the volume presents futuristic visions of stewardship that aim to address the pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. It explores the potential of emerging technologies, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management, to create a more sustainable and resilient future. The authors also consider the role of individual and collective action in achieving environmental sustainability, and the importance of promoting a sense of responsibility and stewardship among all members of society.

In conclusion, this volume offers a comprehensive examination of the historical and contemporary perspectives of stewardship, highlighting the need for a transformative shift in our approach to the natural world. It provides valuable insights into the historical roots.
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Weight: 660g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032112459