Human Security and the Environment: International Comparisons

The distinguished authors investigate this redefinition of security with particular reference to environmental threats such as climate change and the availability of adequate supplies of food and water. They illustrate how unfettered economic growth, rising levels of personal consumption and unsustainable natural resource and energy procurement are taking a heavy toll on the global environment. This, in turn, is forcing both developed and developing countries to re-evaluate the more immediate environmental security of their own populations. For a truly global perspective, the authors present a series of country case-studies, looking at issues of security and environment, and comparing how they influence policy and human well-being. They also discuss a number of theoretical issues which underpin discussions of 'environmental security', demonstrating that this is a relatively new and essentially contested concept.

This thought-provoking book highlights the way in which both security and sustainability are being reworked as concepts and are being linked increasingly to social, economic and cultural factors. It will be of great interest to academics, researchers and students in environmental management, sociology, geography, international relations and politics.