Global Environmental Issues, 2nd Edition
Edited by: Frances Harris
Published: February 7, 2012
Format: Paperback, 358 pages
ISBN-10: 0470684690
ISBN-13: 978-0470684696
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
"Environmental issues have been a concern for many years. Yet somehow they are problems that we have not been able to resolve, despite research, media attention, increased public awareness about environmental problems, campaigns by environmental pressure groups, and international agreements. Our environment is dynamic, constantly changing and evolving in response to stimuli", writes Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography, Geology and Environment at Kingston University, London, England, and editor of the revised and multidisciplinary book Global Environmental Issues, 2nd Edition. The editor provides a collection of articles, by internationally recognized experts, that approach global environmental challenges as complex issues, with many very different causes, and influenced by widely disparate actors with diverse agendas and goals.
France Harris presents the contributed articles in the context of environmental problems addressed on a global scale. The editor stresses the necessity to step back from one's own cultural viewpoint and recognize other points of view and priorities outside of our own. Considered from a basis in science as one of many underlying factors, the contributors bring forward the other complicating pressures and priorities including science, politics, social and economic considerations. The editor challenges the reader to consider the overarching aspect of how choices are made locally affect the environment on a global scale; and how ethics affect the way current environmental issues are managed at all societal scales.
Frances harris (photo left) Provides a interdisciplinary approach to the worldwide environmental challenges through a geographical perspective. Along with the scientific aspects of the problems, are found the interactions between environmental, technological, social, economic, and political components and factors. The chapters make clear the deep connections between humans and the environment on a global scale.
As editor, Frances Harris divides the book into sections that consider the various aspects of the global environmental problems. Those sections are as follows:
* Introduction to human-environmental interaction
* Negotiating environmental science
* The changing surface of the Earth
* meeting our needs
* Coping with our impact
* Conclusion: Sustainable development - Negotiating the future
For me, the power of the book is how Frances Harris combines the scientific and human elements through the selected chapter contributions. The multidisciplinary approach that considers scientific, social, economic, geographic, economic, and political factors in the cause and potential solutions to environmental issues is an effective one. This overall examination of the environmental challenges is a realistic one, and the case studies presented in the collection consider those critical elements in real world settings.
The editor includes chapters on the challenging topics of the politics of science, biodiversity, globalization, and sustainable development that consider the impact of these critical developments. The chapters also include examinations of multilateral agreements and their impact on finding solutions to environmental problems on a global level.
I highly recommend the thought provoking and solutions oriented book Global Environmental Issues, 2nd Edition edited by Frances Harris, to anyone involved in environmental science, geography, industry leaders, public policy makers, government officials, environmental NGOs, community groups, non-profit organizations, academics, and students at all levels who are seeking a clear and concise examination of the many faceted issues surrounding environmental problems. This book will guide decision makers and everyday people toward real solutions that consider all points of view in an inclusive and understanding manner.
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