Current Analyses, Surprising Results, Options for Action
Buch, Englisch, 699 Seiten, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 235 mm
ISBN: 978-3-032-37176-8
Verlag: Springer
Environmental crises dominate headlines, shape political debates, and influence how an entire generation views the future. But how much of what we believe about environmental change is supported by evidence, and how much is driven by the ways environmental issues are communicated?
In this thought-provoking and accessible book, environmental scientist Carsten Hobohm takes readers on a journey through the complex relationships between nature, society, science, and public perception. Drawing on findings from ecology, environmental history, psychology, economics, and policy research, he examines some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, energy production, land use, and the future of sustainability.
Rather than reinforcing simplistic narratives of either catastrophe or complacency, the author advocates a socio-ecological perspective that combines scientific rigor with critical reflection. He explores how environmental knowledge is generated, communicated, and perceived, highlights surprising findings that challenge common assumptions, and discusses what can realistically be achieved through environmental policy and societal action.
Grounded in current research and informed by extensive analysis, this book offers readers a nuanced framework for understanding environmental problems and evaluating proposed solutions. It demonstrates that responsible environmental policy requires both ecological insight and an awareness of social, psychological, and cultural dimensions.
An essential read for anyone seeking a balanced, evidence-based understanding of environmental challenges and the opportunities for shaping a sustainable future.
Zielgruppe
Popular/general
Autoren/Hrsg.
Fachgebiete
Weitere Infos & Material
Preface.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Time Markers of Evolution and Environmental History.- 2.1 Milestones in Environmental History.- 2.2 Land Cover and Land Use Change.- 2.3 Forests, Forestry and Deforestation.- 2.4 Light and Shadow of Culture.- 2.5 Mass Extinctions and the End of Humanity?.- 3 Attention and Appreciation of the Environment.- 3.1 Human Nature.- 3.2 Focus and Perception of Scientific Findings.- 3.3 Cognitive distortions.- 3.4 Carbon Cycle and CO2 - Drama and Dramaturgy.- 3.5 Climate Change – Threat to the Global Community or Scaremongering?.- 3.6 The IPCC – too big to fail?.- 3.7 Planetary Health – Sweet Temptation of Generalisation and Reductionism.- 3.8 Banks, Apes, Business Ethics.- 3.9 Economics of Species Extinction and the Costs of Ignorance.- 3.10 Sustainability, Environmental Ethics and the Rights of Nature.- 4 Socio-ecological Perspectives.- 4.1 Water and Water Bodies.- 4.2 Marine Ecosystems, Sea Level, Flood Disasters, Benefits.- 4.3 Air Quality and Air Pollution.- 4.4 Plastics and Mercury.- 4.5 Light and Light Pollution.- 4.6 Soundscapes and Noise Pollution.- 4.7 Soil and Surface, Ignorance and Awkward Silence.- 4.8 Fire – Increase or Decrease?.- 4.9 Energy Industry and Its Downsides.- 4.10 Landscape and Health, Aesthetics and Well-being.- 4.11 Ecosystem Functions and Biodiversity Conservation.- 4.12 Environmental Education, Role Models and Motivation.- 5 The Future of Environmental Policy – Elements of a Synthesis.- Acknowledgements.
