Given the escalating and existential nature of our current environmental
crises, environmental sociology has never mattered more. We now face
global environmental threats, such as climate change and biodiversity
loss, as well as local threats, such as pollution and household toxins.
The complex interactions of such pervasive problems demand an
understanding of the social nature of environmental impacts, the
underlying drivers of these impacts, and the range of possible
solutions. Environmental sociologists continue to make indispensable
contributions to this crucial task.
This compact book introduces environmental sociology and emphasizes how
environmental sociologists do "public sociology," that is, work with
broad public application. Using a diversity of theoretical approaches
and research methods, environmental sociologists continue to give
marginalized people a voice, identify the systemic drivers of our
environmental crises, and evaluate solutions. Diana Stuart shines a
light on this work and gives readers insight into applying the tools of
environmental sociology to minimize impacts and create a more
sustainable and just world.