TOPICS:
Understanding environmental problems; justifying aspirations; litigation; public education/grassroots organization; of general applicability to environmental problems; written for the first party participant.
ABSTRACT:
Crossroads: Environmental Priorities for the Future is an examination of the trends in environmentalism, environmental activism, environmental litigation and eco-philosophy with the perspective of each of these areas.
Crossroads: Environmental Priorities for the Future is the collection of the work of multiple authors who offer their perspectives on environmentalism, activism, litigation and philosophy. This book will be of interest to those who seek a broad understanding of the history and conceptual components of the present environmental crisis. The book has two sections, the first of which examines trends in the four areas of interest for the environment. Contributions to this section are Dick Russell, Tom Turner and the editor.
The second section comprises the bulk of the book, with each chapter representing the work of a separate author. Contributions about environmentalism in general include: consideration of the environment by Barry Commoner, a discussion of grassroots environmentalism , and the environment as a national purpose. Concern with environmental activism is expressed by William K Reilly's view toward the nineties and the increasing environmental pollution. Also, on this same general topic, are contributions by Jay D. Hair on the environment as a legacy, and Cynthia Wilson's "View From the Trenches".
Environmental litigation is addressed bthrough a history of environmental law, and by Fredric P. Sutherland and Vawter Parker in their "Environmentalists at Law". The remainder of the section addresses a variety of related topics. Environmental protection is considered as both a luxury of the rich and a requirement of the poor. Advice on managing the future and the necessity of looking backwards is given. The philosophical implications of the environmental crisis are examined by Michael Frome who considers the health of the planet integral to the health of humans. Stewart Udall contributes his "Encounter with the Reagan Revolution".
Crossroads: Environmental Priorities for the Future is an eclectic look at the current environmental crisis offering the thought of several disciplines. The reader seeking a broad perspective on this issue will find this book useful.
T. A. O'Lonergan