Publisher's Synopsis
This book addresses the intertwined environmental, social, economic, and political dimensions of transformation in the context of escalating ecological crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. It investigates how environmentalism has evolved, examining the intersections with social justice, cultural shifts, technological advancements, and global governance. The opening chapter offers a historical overview, tracing environmentalism's development from the 19th-century conservation movements to the contemporary climate action movement. This context reveals how environmental priorities and strategies have adapted over time, particularly in response to industrialization and globalization. Subsequent chapters explore the theoretical foundations of environmentalism, highlighting various frameworks such as deep ecology, ecofeminism, and political ecology. These theoretical insights provide a basis for understanding the systemic change and resilience necessary for environmental transformation. This book also identifies the key drivers of transformation, including technological advancements, economic shifts, and social movements, while recognizing the natural and human-induced factors contributing to environmental degradation. It also highlights the diverse stakeholders involved, from governments to NGOs and local communities, and their collaborative efforts to achieve meaningful change. The text emphasizes the importance of knowledge systems and innovation in environmental management alongside the social dimensions of environmentalism, particularly in addressing injustices marginalized communities face. Additionally, it confronts challenges to transformation, including political resistance and economic interests, while proposing strategies for overcoming these barriers. Finally, the book envisions an equitable and sustainable future of environmentalism, stressing the need for holistic approaches that integrate environmental, social, and economic goals and calling for urgent action and systemic reform.
