This book introduces the student to the key environmental debates. By addressing specific global problems and placing them within an ethical context, the collection provides the reader with both a theoretical and practical understanding of environmental issues. The contributors are internationally-known figures drawn from the various disciplines which bear upon these issues, e.g. geography, psychology, social policy and philosophy. The contributors range from those tackling individual concrete issues (such as nuclear waste and the threat to the rain forest) to those addressing matters of policy, principle and attitude (such as our obligations to future generations and the nature of technological risk). The Environment in Question is designed as a text for students of philosophy, environmental science, environmental education, ecology and teacher education. It can be used as an inter-disciplinary, self-contained course book or in conjunction with relevant material.
In addition, as the previously unpublished essays which constitute the volume directly and controversially address current environmental debates in a non-technical manner, it is of great interest both to professionals in those areas and to readers who care about the planet's future.The substantial cross-section of concerns and approaches will enable all readers to develop the necessary level of understanding required to initiate and sustain debate on enviromental issues.