Climate Change and Society

Climate change is one of the most critical issues of the twenty-first century, presenting a major intellectual challenge to both the natural and social sciences. While there has been significant progress in natural science understanding of climate change, social science research has not been as fully developed. Climate Change and Society: Sociological Perspectives breaks new theoretical and empirical ground by presenting climate change as a thoroughly social phenomenon, embedded in our institutions and cultural practices. This collection of essays summarizes the existing approaches to understanding the social, economic, political, and cultural dimensions of climate change. From the factors that drive carbon emissions to the forces which influence societal responses to climate change, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the social dimensions behind climate change. An understanding of the relationship between climate change and human behavior is a critical element in developing a more sustainable future, changing human habits and behaviors for the better, and creating just and effective environmental policies. As such, Climate Change and Society is a useful tool in the crucial movement to integrate social science research, natural science research, and policy in the context of climate change and sustainability. A challenging shift away from the standard climate change discourse, this series of essays is a valuable resource for students, scholars, and professionals involved in climate change policy and research. "Though more work always remains, the physical sciences have accomplished their core task when it comes to climate change. We know what we need to know about the causes and consequences of our actions. What we don't know is how to stop ourselves, which is why this book--and the social sciences--are so important from here on out."--Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature and Schumann Distinguished Scholar, Middlebury College. "Many texts cover the science and economics of climate change, but few discuss the equally important sociological dimensions of the problem. In this must-read edited volume, leading experts Bob Brulle and Riley Dunlap, and more than thirty other leaders in the field review the sociological context so critical for understanding the current societal discourse over climate change and - perhaps most importantly - the reasons for the current impasse when it comes to actually dealing with the problem." --Michael E. Mann, Distinguished Professor, Penn State University, and author of Dire Predictions: Understanding Climate Change.