Society and the Environment: Pragmatic Solutions to Ecological Issues

by Michael S Carolan

Overview

The fourth edition of Society and the Environment centers its discussion on realistic solutions to the problems that persist and examines current controversies within a socio‑organizational context, shifting focus away from simply explaining what is wrong with the world around us. Introducing this “pragmatic environmentalism,” Carolan discusses the complex pressures and variables that exist where ecology and society collide, with population growth, the increase in demands for food and energy, and transportation and its outsized influence on urban and community patterns. With further attention given to the social phenomena and structural dynamics driving today’s environmental problems, the book concludes with an important reflection on truly sustainable solutions and what constitutes meaningful social change.

Each chapter in this interdisciplinary text follows a three‑part structure beginning with an overview of what is wrong and why. This leads into a discussion on each issue’s wide‑ranging implications and, finally, a balanced consideration of realistic solutions. Featuring updated and expanded examples, discussion points, and coverage of recent developments, including the US withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, “booming” national economies and wealth distribution, growing global interest in environmental justice—with particular focus on the links between injustice and race and inequality—climate change, and renewable energy, this new edition remains an essential companion for courses on environmental sociology and sustainability.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032556710
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/18/2024
Edition description:	4th ed.
Pages:	362
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Michael S. Carolan is the Co‑director of the Food Systems Institute for Research, Engagement and Learning, Professor of Sociology, and Food Systems Specialist for the Office of Engagement and Extension. Other appointments include Visiting Professor, Ruralis Research Institute, Trondheim, Norway; Research Affiliate, Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Co‑editor for the Journal of Rural Studies; Co‑editor for the British Food Journal; and Associate Editor for the journal Sustainability. Professor Carolan has published over 300 peer‑reviewed articles.

Table of Contents

1.       Introduction: Individuals, Societies, and Pragmatic Environmentalism

Part I: Living in a Material World

2.       Greenhouse Gases: Warmer Isn’t Better

3.       Waste: Our Sinks Are Almost Sunkfcase

4.       Biodiversity: Society Wouldn’t Exist Without It

5.       Water: There’s No Substitute

Part II: At the Intersection of Ecology and Society

6.       Population: A Problem of Quantity or Quality

7.       Transportation: Beyond Air Pollution

8.       Food: From Farm to Fork

9.       Energy Production: Our Sun-ny Prospects

Part III: Organizing a Sustainable Society

10.   Political Economy: Making Markets Fair and Sustainable

11.   Governance: Biases and Blind Spots

12.   Inequality and Growth: Prosperity for All

Part IV: Shifting the Focus to Results

13.   From Our Beliefs to Our Behaviors: Pragmatic Environmentalism in Action

Glossary
References

Editorial Reviews

An engaging, well-organized, and comprehensive treatment of the core issues in environmental sociology. Carolan’s conversational style and pragmatic focus will help students connect with the subject rather than become depressed. Richard York, University of Oregon

I think this book is unique in its foregrounding of pragmatism. Even though both Bell and this book are positive, I think the manuscript in progress is more hopeful and accessible than Bell’s book. The special strength that would appeal to my students is its interdisciplinarity, its accessibility, and its lack of social scientific jargon.
Shaunna Scott, University of Kentucky

Carolan masterfully presents complex environmental problems (and their solutions) in a concise and lucid manner that will hold students’ attention. The standard framework for considering issues, the inclusion of exceptional case studies and ethical questions that will create a point of departure for many good class discussions, and the consideration of applied and practical efforts to protect the environment and manage resources all contribute to making this an excellent text and the backbone for any course in environmental sociology. Hats off to the author!
Stephanie McSpirit, Eastern Kentucky University

From the Publisher