Discusses the opportunities and constraints that environmental systems place upon human systems and suggests environmental policy is a potential way to modify the operation of human systems so that they function within environmental constraints

Within the overall context of sustainable development Environmental Policy discusses the opportunities and constraints that environmental systems place upon the operation of human systems. It suggests environmental policy is a potential way to modify the operation of human systems so that they function within environmental constraints. Key social scientific concepts (political, social and economic) are used to explain the background for the formulation and implementation of environmental policy. Environmental problems, the role of humans in creating them, sustainable development and how this concept relates to environmental policy are all introduced. The book then considers environmental policy formulation, implementation and evaluation, within three specific contexts: the firm, the nation state and at the international level. It also reviews the place of economics, science and technology in environmental policy. Detailed case-studies, drawn from a range of international examples, are used throughout to illustrate issues such as global warming, international trade, tourism and the human rights of indigenous peoples. It is well illustrated and includes end of chapter summaries and further reading.

'Undergraduate students will appreciate the clear language, copious tables and figures, the extensive bibliography and index.' - Journal of Environmental Planning and Management

'A book that manages to say something new and interesting about environmental policy dilemmas in so many contexts and in such clear terms deserves to be widely read by a new generation of interdisciplinary environmental policy makers.' - Journal of Environmental Planning and Management