Suchergebnisse

Contrary to the persistent assumption that US blacks are less concerned about environmental problems than whites, secondary empirical data since 1980 & surveys conducted 1973-1990 by the National Opinion Research Council strongly suggest that black Americans display strong environmental concern, at least equal to & sometimes exceeding that shown by white. Blacks also display greater concern than whites for other pressing social problems; however, these priorities do not indicate black disregard for environmental quality. 3 Tables, 1 Figure, 60 References. Adapted from the source document.

Economic activity can damage natural systems and reduce the flow of ecosystem services. The harms can be substantial, as our case studies vividly illustrate. Most degraded landscapes have at least some potential to be reclaimed. However, uncertainty plagues decision making regarding degradation and reclamation, in relation to the extent of the damage, the success of reclamation, and how exposure will change in the future. We examine how a range of observed decision biases can lead to far‐from‐optimal policies regarding how much degradation to allow and when, as well as how and how much, to reclaim degraded sites. Despite our focus on degraded landscapes, we believe these are generic biases present in a wide range of risk situations. Our three case studies show these biases at work. The first two studies are of mining operations in the United States and Canada, and the third is of climate change.

"Contemporary earth and animal activists often seem to think and operate independently. The key reason for this lack of collaboration may be that environmentalists focus on species and ecosystems, while animal advocates look to the individual, and neither seems to have much respect for the other. This eclectic anthology highlights important areas of common ground for earth and animal advocates, most notably the protection of wildlife and personal dietary choice. If earth and animal advocates move beyond philosophical differences and resultant divergent priorities, turning attention to shared goals, both will be more effective - and both animals and the environment will benefit. Given the undeniable seriousness of the environmental problems that we face, including climate change and species extinction, it is essential that activists join forces. Drawing on a wide range of issues and disciplines, ranging from wildlife management, hunting and vegetarianism, to ethics, ecofeminism, religion and animal welfare, this volume provides a stimulating collection of ideas and challenges for students, and for anyone else who cares about animals and the environment"--

Drawing inspiration from O'Malley's very recent attempt to introduce greater subtlety into governmentality thinking about the operation of the common law of contract (O'Malley, 2000), this article seeks to explore some of the nuances of the common law's way of calculating interests. O'Malley argues that the law of contract developed in a more pragmatic fashion than an understanding of law within liberal economic theory allows. He says that contract law developed on the basis of the force of uncertainty and practical experience, as much as it did on the basis of the abstract and quantifiable calculations of the rational risk manager - a 'pragmatic and situational' form of calculation rather than an rational, abstract one (O'Malley, 2000: 477-8). We argue, using mainly Australian examples concerned with the legal governance of the environment, that non-pecuniary public interests are also subject to this type of 'pragmatic and situated' calculation within the common law, one we refer to as 'rhetorical'.

Environmental sociology comprises a diverse set of interests, with the built‐environment/natural‐environment cleavage being especially significant. Yet, by virtue of their interest in societal‐environmental relations, all environmental sociologists depart significantly from the disciplinary tradition of ignoring the physical environment. We offer an ecological perspective as a fruitful way of viewing the relations between societal and environmental phenomena, and as a means of integrating work on both built and natural environments.