Understanding Environmental Policy

by Steven Cohen

In Understanding Environmental Policy , Steven Cohen introduces an innovative, multidimensional framework for developing effective environmental policy within the United States and around the world. He demonstrates his approach through an analysis of four case studies representing current local, national, and international environmental New York City's garbage crisis; the problem of leaks from underground storage units; toxic waste contamination and the Superfund program; and global climate change. He analyzes the political, scientific, technological, organizational, and moral import of these environmental issues and the nature of the policy surrounding them. He also places a specific focus on the response from the George W. Bush administration. Cohen considers how our current environmental policy and problems reflect the value we place on our ecosystems; whether science and technology can solve the environmental problems they create; and what policy is necessary to reduce environmentally damaging behaviors. Cohen's multifaceted approach is essential reading for analysts, managers, activists, students, and scholars of environmental policy.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sustainability, Environment

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Kristin]

Valuable tools for evaluating environmental problems and policies to address them. Cohen asserts that environmental sustainability and economic growth are not incompatible; instead, he argues, sustainably-conscious development will be necessary for a strong economy going into the future.
My one major criticism is his assertion that environmentalism is a bipartisan political issue, that "no politico can afford to be seen as anti environmental." This edition was written in 2015; the 2016 presidential election shows that Cohen misread the politics of the U.S. at the time. Four years of rollbacks on environmental regulations followed.

[Audrey]

This book made me feel more informed, and therefore much less frightened and overwhelmed, about the global environmental crisis and courses of action states can take and have taken to ameliorate it.

[Jordan]

Excellent overview and excellent attitude. I want to take classes from Cohen.

[Sara]

yeah this is another required book for another class. what can i say?

[Joe]

Well written and received. Excellent look at our impacts on the environment.