Synopses & Reviews
Will humans adapt their ways of life to conserve the natural systems upon which their future and the living world depend? There is no simple answer to the question of whether we as humans can adapt our lifestyles in the pursuit of an environmentally sound world. Inadequate information is a limiting factor, and unforeseen events make uncertainty inevitable. Even so, choices made today can narrow or expand future options. A critical task for society today is to reverse trends that narrow these options, a task in which science plays a vital role. In his thought-provoking book, Dr. Caldwell attempts to address this issue with an integrated analysis of the interrelationships among science, the environmental movement, and public policy. Special emphasis is given to the interactions of environmentalism and science in generating public and international environmental policies.
Review
"This book is a pioneering synthesis of what has been learned about environmental problem-solving over roughly the last two years." Geoffrey Wandesforde-Smith, Colorado Journal of International Law and Policy
Review
"...a literate, thoughtful, and admirable synthesis of one perspective that deserves the most careful attention." Eugene B. Skolnikoff, EOS
Review
"...an intriguing look into the future of environmental regulatory policy." Nicholas J. Wallwork, Journal of Environmental Regulation
Review
"...important, as it discusses the role of science in the context of pressing global problems. It provides valuable insights into the contributions scientists have made to the growth of environmental awareness and the development of environmental policy. It is well written and stimulating in its projection of global institutional developments." Ton Buhrs, Natural Resources and Environmental Administration
Review
"...this book should be of wide interest." Peter Kareiva, Ecology
Synopsis
Poses the question 'Will humans adapt their ways of life to conserve the natural systems on which their future and the living world depend?'
Synopsis
Unprecedented changes in science-based technology and expanding populations are having a major impact on the human situation. Increasing scientific information concerning these changes and their consequences is beginning to alter people's perceptions, thus providing a rational basis for a worldwide environmental movement. This movement works through political and educational means to establish new social priorities consistent with scientific findings and the sustainability of life on Earth. The success of this effort would signify a new phase of social development. The present era represents a transition between the assumptions and conditions that have hitherto characterized the modern world, and those of the post-modern world that is emerging. Science and technology are fundamentally changing our traditional beliefs about human opportunities and limitations - and these changes are slowly being reflected in international policies and laws. If humanity today succeeds in establishing a sustainable relationship to Earth, a higher level of civilisation will have been achieved.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 199-217) and index.
Table of Contents
Preface; Part I. Comprehending the Planet Earth: 1. Science and environment; 2. Science and governance; 3. Geosphere and biosphere; Part II. Developing a Planetary Paradigm: 4. Perspectives and priorities; 5. Politics of environmentalism; 6. Social and economic implications; Part III. An Emerging Planetary Policy: 7. Facing planetary realities; 8. Shaping world institutions; 9. Attaining the attainable; Postscript: between two worlds; References; Index.