Comparative Perspectives on Environmental Policies and Issues

Comparative Perspectives on Environmental Policies and Issues presents tools and concepts about environmental policies in several developed and developing countries. It explores a broad survey of ecological modernization theory, ecological feminism theory, environmental justice theory, the concept of sustainability, and research on environmental policies. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and focus groups, and are used to analyze social, economic, and environmental impact on people.

The book specifically discusses how the earth’s basic life-supporting capital (soils, forests, species, fresh water and oceans) is degraded or depleted to provide for human needs, and how air pollution and acid precipitation, are causing widespread injury to humans, forests, and crops. Realistically, over-taxing of natural resources and ecological systems throughout the world has promoted economic growth and created increasing opportunities for people while also advancing social injustice. The use of the environment to accomplish social and economic transformation raises fundamental issues for the study of environmental policy and the natural ecological system. As human beings exploit the natural environment to meet present needs, they often will destroy resources needed for the future generations. Thus, environmental policies are enacted to ensure that social and economic impacts of the environment are compatible with the limits of natural systems.

Offering an intuitive and crystal-clear explanation of the key concepts and principles of environmental policies and sustainable development, this volume is suitable not only for environmental science students, but also for instructors, practitioners, researchers, and academics.

Robert Dibie, Ph.D. is Dean and Professor of Public Policy and Public Management at Indiana University Kokomo’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA). Previously, he served as the director of graduate programs in public administration at Western Kentucky University. Professor Dibie is the author of several books, book chapters, and more than 70 research articles in peer-refereed journals. He has presented more than 100 academic papers in national and international conferences, focusing on issues of sustainable development, public management, public policy, women empowerment, environmental policies, development administration, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). As a nationally recognized leader in higher education, Professor Dibie has presented seminars, workshops and lectures in the areas of Higher Education Leadership, Public Policy, Environmental Policy, and Sustainable Development in a number of universities around the world. He is currently the Editor of the Journal of International Politics and Development. Professor Dibie has also consulted for several NGOs and universities in the United States, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean Islands. Professor Dibie earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Business Administration. In addition he earned a master degree in Social Sciences (public administration and international relations) from the University of Detroit Mercy. His Ph.D. in Public Policy and Public Management is from Western Michigan University. He also completed several professional certification diplomas from both the Charted Institute of Marketing and the Association of Business Executives in England.