Society and the Environment

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.

Michael S. Carolan is the Cödirector 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; Cöeditor for the Journal of Rural Studies; Cöeditor for the British Food Journal; and Associate Editor for the journal Sustainability. Professor Carolan has published over 300 peer-reviewed articles.

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 GlossaryReferences