Environment and Society: Human Perspectives on Environmental Issues

This text looks at the connections between human societies, ecosystems and the geophysical environment. While the perspective is mostly sociological, coverage is specifically designed to be relevant to a wide range of readers and to encompass viewpoints from an assortment of disciplines. *Focuses on the interconnections between a broad range of environmental issues and trends. *Examines the human causes of environmental change. *Explores different scenarios for the future in relation to these trends. *Incorporates the most current research available and examines it from various social science perspectives *Examines the global nature of environmental problems. *Underlines the need for multilateral efforts between different parts of the world in making environmental issues important factors in security and trade agreements. *Focuses on "environmentalism" as an ideological base for environmental movements, advocacy and action in various settings. *Examines the spread of environmental concern through the worlds societies and the interaction of movements with oppositional groups and agencies. *Discusses expert risk-assessment techniques and the impact of the social perception of risk. *Opens chapters with vignettes to engage students in the upcoming issues. *Includes end-of-chapter Personal Connections that explore links between large issues and peoples lives.