The Distributive Politics of Environmental Protection in Latin America and the Caribbean

The study of environmental politics in Latin America and the Caribbean is expanding, but there is a need for a comprehensive research agenda that integrates the existing literature. This Element seeks to address this lack by examining who benefits from environmental appropriation and pollution, who pays the costs of climate change and degradation, and who gains from state protections.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The study of environmental politics in Latin America and the Caribbean is expanding in response to the growing conflicts arising from the deteriorating natural world. However, this field of scholarship has not yet developed a comprehensive research agenda comparable to the ones that have emerged around other significant political phenomena. This Element aims to address the lack of a comprehensive research agenda in Latin American and Caribbean environmental politics and facilitate the integration of the existing disparate literatures. Drawing from distributive politics, this Element seeks to answer critical questions such as who benefits from the appropriation and pollution of the environment, who bears the costs of climate change and environmental degradation, and who gains from the allocation of state protections.

The study of environmental politics in Latin America and the Caribbean is a growing field that is increasingly important as conflicts stemming from the deterioration of the natural world increase. While there has been significant scholarship in this area, there has not yet been a comprehensive research agenda that encompasses the diverse aspects of environmental politics in the region. This Element seeks to address this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in Latin American and Caribbean environmental politics.

One of the key challenges facing the study of environmental politics in Latin America and the Caribbean is the lack of a unified theoretical framework. While there have been various approaches to understanding environmental politics, such as environmentalism, political ecology, and social movement theory, these approaches have often been applied in isolation from each other. This Element aims to integrate these different theoretical perspectives to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics of environmental politics in the region.

Another challenge facing the study of environmental politics in Latin America and the Caribbean is the disparate nature of the existing literature. There are numerous studies that focus on specific environmental issues, such as climate change, deforestation, or water pollution, but there is a lack of research that examines these issues in a broader context. This Element seeks to bring together the existing literature on these issues and provide a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing environmental politics in the region.

One of the key areas of research in Latin American and Caribbean environmental politics is the role of the state in environmental protection and management. The state has played a significant role in shaping environmental policies and regulations in the region, but there are also challenges to the effectiveness of state interventions. This Element will examine the role of the state in environmental protection and management, including the challenges and opportunities for state-led environmental governance.

Another important area of research in Latin American and Caribbean environmental politics is the role of civil society. Civil society has played a critical role in shaping environmental policies and regulations, as well as in mobilizing communities to protect their natural resources. This Element will examine the role of civil society and society in environmental protection and management, including the challenges and opportunities for civil society and society-led environmental governance.

In addition to the role of the state and civil society, there are also important issues related to the distribution of environmental costs and benefits. Environmental degradation and climate change often have disproportionate impacts on marginalized communities, who are often the least able to adapt to these changes. This Element will examine the distribution of environmental costs and benefits, including the challenges and opportunities for promoting equity and justice in environmental protection and management.

Finally, the study of environmental politics in Latin America and the Caribbean is also closely linked to broader political and social processes. Environmental issues often intersect with issues of power, inequality, and social justice, and there are opportunities for promoting environmental protection and management through political and social movements. This Element will examine the relationships between environmental politics and broader political and social processes, including the challenges and opportunities for promoting sustainable development and social justice in the region.

In conclusion, the study of environmental politics in Latin America and the Caribbean is a growing field that has the potential to contribute significantly to our understanding of the complex dynamics of environmental protection and management. While there are challenges to be addressed, such as the lack of a unified theoretical framework and the disparate nature of the existing literature, there are also opportunities for promoting a more comprehensive and integrated approach to environmental politics in the region. By integrating different theoretical perspectives, bringing together the existing literature, examining the role of the state and civil society, and addressing the distribution of environmental costs and benefits, we can develop a more effective and sustainable approach to environmental protection and management in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Weight: 118g
ISBN-13: 9781009263436