Synopses & Reviews
Air is vital to human existenceit protects us from radiation, maintains climate and weather patterns, disperses seeds and pollen, and serves as an alternative energy source. Despite all of this, air remains neglected in environmental policy, with its ownerless, borderless nature making it difficult to campaign and legislate.
Breathing Space is the first book to properly integrate air into the wider environmental discourse. Mark Everard assesses the atmospheres structure and its role within our overall environment and argues persuasively for the necessity of governments and activists recognition of air as a vital resource, as well as the dire need for more effective worldwide policies on air regulation. This work is long overdue and a must-read for scholars, environmental activists, and anyone interested environmental policy.
Review
“
Breathing Space is a revelation, laying bare the science and cultural significance of that one part of the natural world we take most for granted. Mark Everard brings a lifetime's experience to bear in urging us to think more systemically about 'this great connector,' and to get our act together in sorting out the multiple abuses of the atmosphere that continue to this day.”
Review
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Breathing Space considers air and the atmosphere as a contiguous ecosystem interdependent with all life forms. This is novel and important, particularly in recognizing that humanity—including economic activity—is increasingly modifying natural processes vital for our continuing health.
Breathing Space offers unique insights into the interdependent workings of this atmospheric ocean, our uses and abuses of it, and the means for interacting with it more sustainably.”
Review
“Everard takes us on a journey of atmospheric rivers, jet streams and giant dragonflies. He shows that ecosystem services must be put at the heart of our planning system if we are to protect the habitats we all rely on. This book is an important read for decision-makers at all levels because, as Everard makes clear, protecting the atmosphere is crucial to everything we do.”
Review
“
Breathing Space provides a clear overview of the atmosphere and of how we use it, abuse it and need to safeguard it. It explains how the atmosphere and air pollution work, and their place in history, philosophy and culture. This is an excellent and thought-provoking book that celebrates the atmosphere as a key service provider to people and planet Earth.”
Review
“For too long, our airspace has been overlooked unless it pollutes, but no longer, now that Mark Everard's engaging book is on the scene. It places air at the heart of an ecosystem of interconnected human interactions and biodiversity. Rules that shape our treatment of air need to change urgently and this book challenges us with a blueprint to do it. Essential reading for environmental students and practitioners alike.”
Synopsis
In this book Mark Everard argues that governments and citizens too often take the air we breathe for granted. Air and the wider atmosphere are vital in protecting us from radiation, maintaining climate and weather patterns, dispersing water, seeds and pollen, and serving as an alternative source of energy.
Breathing Space overturns conventional thinking on the atmosphere, and is the first book to properly integrate air into the wider environmental discourse. Outlining the structure and development of the atmosphere, Everard assesses its importance within the environment as a whole.
Everard's work represents the long overdue incorporation of air into our wider understanding of ecosystems, and argues persuasively for the need for governments to recognise the importance of air as a resource. A must read for scholars, students and activists.
About the Author
Mark Everard is a visiting research fellow at the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Air and the making of the atmosphere
2. Living in a bubble
3. What does air do for us?
4. Abuses of the air
5. Managing our impacts on air
6. Thinking in a connected way
7. Rediscovering our place in the breathing space
8. Resolution for integrated management of the air space
Annex : Ecosystem services and the Ecosystem Approach