NYU Press Environment and Society: A Reader

Environment and Society connects the core themes of environmental studies to the urgent issues and debates of the twenty-first century.  In an era marked by climate change, rapid urbanization, and resource scarcity, environmental studies has emerged as a crucial arena of study.    Assembling canonical and contemporary texts, this volume presents a systematic survey of concepts and issues central to the environment in society, such as: social mobilization on behalf of environmental objectives; the relationships between human population, economic growth and stresses on the planet’s natural resources; debates about the relative effects of collective and individual action; and unequal distribution of the social costs of environmental degradation.    Organized around key themes, with each section featuring questions for debate and suggestions for further reading, the book introduces students to the history of environmental studies, and demonstrates how the field’s interdisciplinary approach uniquely engages the essential issues of the present. Review “This book is both well-organized and nicely abridged for use in undergraduate courses… this textbook fulfills the major criteria for teaching undergraduates: it is accessible, affordable, and informative. I highly recommend its integration into environmental history courses.”- Western Historical Quarterly " Environment and Society provides a thoughtful and diverse selection of key readings in environmental studies, including pieces from some of the best known thinkers along with some well chosen works that don't appear in other readers. This is a valuable book for teachers, students, and anyone interested in environmental thought."-Richard York,co-author of The Ecological Rift: Capitalism’s War on the Earth " Environment and Society lives up to its ambitious aims. Providing essential readings in environmental studies, this book serves as an excellent introduction to the enduring questions and most important emerging ideas in the field today."-Kimberly Smith,Professor of Environmental Studies, Carleton College About the Author Christopher Schlottmann is Clinical Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at New York University.  Colin Jerolmack is Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Sociology at New York University. Anne Rademacher is Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Anthropology at New York University. Maria Damon analyzes policy instruments for sustainable development as well as capacity building in response to climate change.  Dale Jamieson is Professor of Environmental Studies and Philosophy at New York University.