Sustainable Development in a Complex World Phd Thesis

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Sustainable Development in a Complex World Phd Thesis Sustainable Development in a Complex World PhD Thesis Alex Robert Trisoglio University College London 1996 B1gL. LONDILuwy. Abstract The thesis examines the development of theoretical models and practical tools for understanding and making decisions regarding sustainable development (SD) in a complex world. It seeks to answer three questions: What is the meaning of SD in a complex world? What are the implications for our policies and institutions? • What tools can we use to assist decision-making for SD in a complex world? The thesis examines these issues by bringing together thinking and research within complex systems theory, cultural theory and management theory. It also draws on the environmental and SD literatures, which are in turn associated with several disciplines including geography, economics and environmental science. The thesis is in four parts: The first part explores the diversity of SD definitions and the two main policy models for SD. It identifies the need for a theoretical explanation of the plurality of perspectives in the SD debate, and also for an integration of insights from complexity theory into SD definitions and policy models. The second part introduces complexity theory and cultural theory, and examines how they can support development of an improved understanding of sustainability. The third part applies complexity theory and cultural theory to analyse SD policies. It argues that these theories yield significant new insights about sustainability, including highlighting the importance of plurality and resilience in policy making for sustainability. The final part explores how the theories and tools developed by management science can be applied to sustainability, especially in increasing the plurality and resilience of SD decision making. It demonstrates that scenarios can promote the organisational learning and institutional resilience needed for sustainability, and that cultural theory provides an appropriate theoretical basis for scenario-building. The thesis concludes by developing a set of SD scenarios and analysing the results from their application. 2 Table of Contents Abstract .2 List of Tables and Figures . 8 Chapter1: Introduction..................................................................................................10 1.1. Sustainable Development in a Complex World: An Overview..................10 1.2. Introduction to the Thesis............................................................................12 Chapter2: Methodology ................................................................................................16 2.1. Introduction.................................................................................................16 2.2. The Three Theoretical Roots of the Thesis.................................................16 2.3. Thesis Structure...........................................................................................19 Chapter 3: Typologies of Sustainable Development Definitions - A Review...............22 3.1. Introduction.................................................................................................22 3.2. Frameworks for Understanding Sustainability............................................23 3.2.1. Two-Fold Distinctions within Sustainability...............................24 3.2.2. Multipolar Distinctions within Sustainability..............................29 3.2.3. Systems Approaches for Understanding Sustainability...............33 3.2.4. Economic Approaches for Understanding Sustainability............35 3.3. Summary and Ways Forward......................................................................38 Chapter 4: Two Policy Models for Sustainable Development.......................................40 4.1. Introduction.................................................................................................40 4.2. The Comprehensive/Rational Policy Model...............................................40 4.3. The Complex/Adaptive Policy Model ........................................................45 4.4. Science and Policy......................................................................................50 4.5. The Role of Modelling................................................................................51 4.6. The Comprehensive/Rational Policy Model in the Climate Change Debate.....................................................................................................53 3 4.7. Conclusions .57 Chapter 5: Complexity...................................................................................................59 5.1. Introduction................................................................................................. 59 5.1.1. The Scope of Complexity Theory................................................ 59 5.2. The Newtonian Revolution.........................................................................61 5.3. Reductionism in Modelling, Thought and Language..................................64 5.4. The Behaviour of Non-linear Systems........................................................69 5.4.1. The Economy as a Non-linear System.........................................74 5.5. Surprise, Creativity and Evolutionary Change............................................76 5.5.1. Models of Evolutionary Change ..................................................77 5.6. Complexity..................................................................................................85 5.7. Conclusions.................................................................................................88 Chapter 6: Examples of Complexity in the Sustainable Development Debate..............90 6.1. Introduction.................................................................................................90 6.2. The Prevalence of Uncertainty....................................................................90 6.3. The Presence of Complexity at All Levels .................................................91 6.4. Conclusions.................................................................................................93 Chapter7: Cultural Theory ............................................................................................ 95 7.1. Introduction.................................................................................................95 7.2. An Overview of Cultural Theory................................................................96 7.2.1. Myths of Nature .........................................................................102 7.3. Applications of Cultural Theory to Environmental Policy.......................104 7.4. Resilience and Plural Institutions..............................................................110 7.5. Conclusions...............................................................................................112 Chapter8: Sustainable Development - An Analysis....................................................113 8.1. Introduction...............................................................................................113 8.2. Definitions of SD ......................................................................................113 8.2.1. Establishing Three Benchmark Policy Perspectives..................114 8.2.2. A Cultural Analysis of Perspectives on Sustainability ..............118 4 8.2.3. A Note on Individualism and Sustainability . 124 8.3. Conclusions...............................................................................................126 Chapter9: Cultural Theory and Complexity................................................................128 9.1. Introduction...............................................................................................128 9.2. Classification and Cultural Theory ...........................................................128 9.2.1. Cultural Theory: Continuous or Discrete9.................................129 9.2.2. Rhetoric Stealing, Alliances and Plural Myths..........................131 9.2.3. A Cultural Explanation of Change and Surprise........................133 9.2.4. Origins and Evolution in Cultural Theory .................................134 9.3. Cultural Theory and Complexity ..............................................................136 9.3.1. The Ecologists' Myths of Nature: Holling and Timmerman.....137 9.3.2. Myths of Nature in Cultural Theory: A Resolution...................140 9.3.3. Cultural Theory and Complexity ...............................................142 9.4. Conclusions...............................................................................................144 Chapter10: Resilience, Learning and Sustainability...................................................146 10.1. Introduction.............................................................................................146 10.2. Cultural Theory and Complexity: Areas of Agreement..........................146 10.3. Cultural Theory and Complexity: Areas of Difference...........................149 10.4. Learning and Resilience..........................................................................151 10.5. Resilience and Diversity .........................................................................156 10.6. Conclusions.............................................................................................160 Chapter 11: Sustainable Development in a Complex World.......................................162 11.1. Introduction.............................................................................................162
Recommended publications
  • Contemporary Anarchist Studies
    Contemporary Anarchist Studies This volume of collected essays by some of the most prominent academics studying anarchism bridges the gap between anarchist activism on the streets and anarchist theory in the academy. Focusing on anarchist theory, pedagogy, methodologies, praxis, and the future, this edition will strike a chord for anyone interested in radical social change. This interdisciplinary work highlights connections between anarchism and other perspectives such as feminism, queer theory, critical race theory, disability studies, post- modernism and post-structuralism, animal liberation, and environmental justice. Featuring original articles, this volume brings together a wide variety of anarchist voices whilst stressing anarchism’s tradition of dissent. This book is a must buy for the critical teacher, student, and activist interested in the state of the art of anarchism studies. Randall Amster, J.D., Ph.D., professor of Peace Studies at Prescott College, publishes widely in areas including anarchism, ecology, and social movements, and is the author of Lost in Space: The Criminalization, Globalization , and Urban Ecology of Homelessness (LFB Scholarly, 2008). Abraham DeLeon, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at the University of Rochester in the Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development. His areas of interest include critical theory, anarchism, social studies education, critical pedagogy, and cultural studies. Luis A. Fernandez is the author of Policing Dissent: Social Control and the Anti- Globalization Movement (Rutgers University Press, 2008). His interests include protest policing, social movements, and the social control of late modernity. He is a professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northern Arizona University. Anthony J. Nocella, II, is a doctoral student at Syracuse University and a professor at Le Moyne College.
    [Show full text]
  • 2016-2017 Soges Annual Report
    Advancing Global Sustainability through Research, Education, and Engagement 2016-17 Annual Report 2016-17 Annual Report 1 INVEST in a SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Empowering the sustainability leaders of today and tomorrow At Colorado State University, 80 percent of incoming students identify sustainability as a top interest for study. The next generation is demanding an understanding of how economic, social, and environmental factors all interact together to create their future. SoGES, through its integration of research, education, and engagement, meets that need on the CSU campus. As part of State Your Purpose – The Campaign for Colorado State University, SoGES seeks to accomplish the following by 2020: Increase total enrollment to 1,000 students annually by expanding course offerings and developing new degree programs in global environmental sustainability Enhance fellowship and scholarship programs to provide more support for students, early-career researchers, professors, and practitioners Expand research on critical interlinked sustainability challenges, such as preserving biodiversity, improving food security, reducing poverty, and minimizing the human and environmental impacts of climate change and energy production Develop new community partnerships, engagement, and outreach activities to identify needs and bring CSU expertise to bear on local, regional, national, and global challenges These are not humble goals. They will ensure that Colorado State University continues as a global leader in sustainability research, education, and outreach. Achieving them requires resources to bring faculty together across disciplines, to provide more courses and advising to more students, and to engage public and private partners in solving the greatest sustainability challenges of our time. That is why SoGES is seeking to raise $50 million by 2020.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecofeminist Explorations
    University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers Graduate School 1990 Ecofeminist explorations Janet Henderson The University of Montana Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Henderson, Janet, "Ecofeminist explorations" (1990). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 5360. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/5360 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Mike and Maureen MANSFIELD LIBRARY Copying allowed as provided under provisions of the Fair Use Section of the U.S. , COPYRIGHT LAW, 1976. Any copying for commercial purposes or financial gain may be undertaken only with the author’s written consent. University of MOTfisumc ECOFEMINIST EXPLORATIONS B y Janet Henderson B. A., Furman University, 1985 Presented in partial fulfillm ent of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts University of Montana 1990 Approved by Chair, Board of Examiners Dean, Graduate School UMI Number: EP40824 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these-will be-noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion.
    [Show full text]
  • Political Ecology and Degrowth in Fourth International Conference on Degrowth for Ecological Sustainability and Social Equity, Leipzig, 2014
    Political Ecology and Degrowth in Fourth International Conference on Degrowth for Ecological Sustainability and Social Equity, Leipzig, 2014. Michalis Theodoropoulos, MSc. Marine and Coastal Management Abstract Degrowth lays at the foundation of Political Ecology and provides a radical political discourse that differentiates Political Ecology from the Left. Degrowth is like a consciousness mirror for Political Ecology as it reflects the theoretical (grass)roots of the ecological movement and provide a new impetus in order for ecology to regain some of its missing glamor and determined political activism. This paper argues that Political Ecology and Degrowth are a strategic way forward to address the challenges of the current multifaceted crisis and to provide a blue-print for future sustainability and survival of the species detached from the imaginary of growth. Keywords: Political Ecology; Degrowth; Crisis Exit Strategy; Green movement Narrative Step: Facing the current crisis “If we do not dare the impossible, we shall be faced with the unthinkable” The ecology of freedom, Murray Bookchin Degrowth is the backbone of political ecology and political ecology is at the core of degrowth. Political Ecology was born, as a movement and at academic level, already by the 1960s but expanded mainly during the 1970s, through a holistic critique on growth, productivism and consumerism, in relation to the carrying capacity (natural limits) of the planet, as well as, in relation to the environmental crisis which had already begun to emerge. Matters such as pollution and water quality, nuclear energy, desertification and protection of biodiversity, chemical agriculture and the effects on human health, living conditions in the cities and overpopulation, began to enter public debate.
    [Show full text]
  • Welcome to Toronto!
    Vol. 46, No. 4 October 2017 Newsof the lHistoryetter of Science Society Table of Contents Welcome to Toronto 1 History of Science Society Annual Meeting THAT Camp Returns to HSS 2 Toronto, Canada, 9-12 November 2017 The Smithsonian Conservation Commons’ Earth Optimism Summit 2017 7 From ASU to HKU: My Academic Job-Search 11 Notre Dame Astronomy Workshop 15 The “March for Science” 16 NASA in the “Long” Civil Rights Movement Symposium 18 Member News 19 In Memoriam 24 News from the Profession 29 Welcome To Toronto! Downtown Toronto during the day. Roy Thomson Hall is in the foreground. Photo by Benson Kua. Toronto is a vibrant, dynamic, walkable city. Those The conference hotel is the Sheraton Centre Toronto willing to explore will soon see why Toronto was named Hotel (123 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2M9, the world’s most diverse city by a 2016 BBC study, and Canada), which is across from Nathan Phillips one of the world’s most livable cities by The Economist in Square, between Bay Street and University Avenue. 2015. There are culinary delights, public spaces, cultural This centrally located property is connected to the spaces, and much, much more. What follows is a short underground and its dozens of places to eat and shop introduction to the environs of our hotel and the city and features the largest indoor/outdoor heated pool beyond. in downtown Toronto (don’t forget your bathing Continued on Page 3 History of Science Society Newsletter THAT Camp returns to HSS History of Science Society Executive Office The HSS is sponsoring its 4th annual History of Science Society THATCamp on Sunday, November 12 from 440 Geddes Hall University of Notre Dame 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the conference hotel, Notre Dame, IN 46556 Sheraton Centre Toronto.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity Loss and Its Causes Hearing Committee
    NATURE IN CRISIS: BIODIVERSITY LOSS AND ITS CAUSES HEARING BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION JUNE 4, 2019 Serial No. 116–24 Printed for the use of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology ( Available via the World Wide Web: http://science.house.gov U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE 36–504PDF WASHINGTON : 2020 COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas, Chairwoman ZOE LOFGREN, California FRANK D. LUCAS, Oklahoma, DANIEL LIPINSKI, Illinois Ranking Member SUZANNE BONAMICI, Oregon MO BROOKS, Alabama AMI BERA, California, BILL POSEY, Florida Vice Chair RANDY WEBER, Texas CONOR LAMB, Pennsylvania BRIAN BABIN, Texas LIZZIE FLETCHER, Texas ANDY BIGGS, Arizona HALEY STEVENS, Michigan ROGER MARSHALL, Kansas KENDRA HORN, Oklahoma RALPH NORMAN, South Carolina MIKIE SHERRILL, New Jersey MICHAEL CLOUD, Texas BRAD SHERMAN, California TROY BALDERSON, Ohio STEVE COHEN, Tennessee PETE OLSON, Texas JERRY MCNERNEY, California ANTHONY GONZALEZ, Ohio ED PERLMUTTER, Colorado MICHAEL WALTZ, Florida PAUL TONKO, New York JIM BAIRD, Indiana BILL FOSTER, Illinois JAIME HERRERA BEUTLER, Washington DON BEYER, Virginia JENNIFFER GONZA´ LEZ-COLO´ N, Puerto CHARLIE CRIST, Florida Rico SEAN CASTEN, Illinois VACANCY KATIE HILL, California BEN MCADAMS, Utah JENNIFER WEXTON, Virginia (II) CONTENTS June 4, 2019 Page Hearing Charter ...................................................................................................... 2 Opening
    [Show full text]
  • The Case for Earth Optimism
    News from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Summer 2017 Feature: The Case for Earth Optimism ALSO INSIDE: SERC Scientists: The Next Generation Crossbow Ecology Trees Caught Emitting Methane SERC Advisory Board David Armstrong, Ph.D. Professor, School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences University of Washington Seattle, WA William Bohnett President, Whitecap Investments LLC Hobe Sound, FL Vice Admiral Derwood Curtis Left to right: Dave Norman, Ian Davidson, Katrina Lohan, Kim La Pierre (Credits: Sara Richmond, (Ret.) Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy Ian Davidson, Chris Lohan and Blake La Pierre) Annapolis, MD Harold Denton (Ret.) President & CEO, General Land Abstract Co., Inc. West River, MD The Changing Faces of Science David DeVos Vice President, This Earth Day, two gatherings took place on our nation’s capital. Global Director of Sustainability PGIM Real Estate Both attempted to address the future of science in an uncertain Chicago, IL world. One, the March for Science, drew crowds eager to sup- Kay Dryden port the value of scientific discovery. The other, the Smithson- President ian’s Earth Optimism Summit, brought together thought leaders Energy Dispute Solutions, LLC in science, art, business and policy, to highlight what’s working San Francisco, CA in conservation. The March for Science sought to affirm that sci- Diane Ebert-May, Ph.D. THE DIRECTOR’S LETTER ence is valuable. The Earth Optimism Summit explored how we Professor, Department of Plant Biology can use science to ensure a healthy future for our planet. Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Many stories of hope emerged from the Earth Optimism Summit. You can find a few on pages Jeanne Grasso, Esq.
    [Show full text]
  • Phd Thesis Jayne Glover FINAL SUBMISSION
    “A COMPLEX AND DELICATE WEB”: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SELECTED SPECULATIVE NOVELS BY MARGARET ATWOOD, URSULA K. LE GUIN, DORIS LESSING AND MARGE PIERCY Thesis Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Rhodes University By Jayne Ashleigh Glover December 2007 Abstract This thesis examines selected speculative novels by Margaret Atwood, Ursula K. Le Guin, Doris Lessing and Marge Piercy. It argues that a specifiable ecological ethic can be traced in their work – an ethic which is explored by them through the tensions between utopian and dystopian discourses. The first part of the thesis begins by theorising the concept of an ecological ethic of respect for the Other through current ecological philosophies, such as those developed by Val Plumwood. Thereafter, it contextualises the novels within the broader field of science fiction, and speculative fiction in particular, arguing that the shift from a critical utopian to a critical dystopian style evinces their changing treatment of this ecological ethic within their work. The remainder of the thesis is divided into two parts, each providing close readings of chosen novels in the light of this argument. Part Two provides a reading of Le Guin’s early Hainish novels, The Left Hand of Darkness , The Word for World is Forest and The Dispossessed , followed by an examination of Piercy’s Woman on the Edge of Time , Lessing’s The Marriages Between Zones Three, Four and Five , and Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale . The third, and final, part of the thesis consists of individual chapters analysing the later speculative novels of each author.
    [Show full text]
  • A Politico-Ecological Approach of Transitional Spaces in Social Ecological Systems
    A Politico-Ecological Approach of Transitional Spaces in Social Ecological Systems Alfredo Lascoutx Ruiz Thesis submitted to the University of Ottawa in partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the PhD degree in Philosophy School of Political Studies Faculty of Social Sciences University of Ottawa © Alfredo Lascoutx Ruiz, Ottawa, Canada, 2021 AUTHOR’S DECLARATION FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF A THESIS I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. This is a true copy of the thesis, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners. I understand that my thesis may be made electronically available to the public. ii Dedication I dedicate this work to Roman, Bram, Aura Karina, Claudia, Manuel, Carlos Juan, Andres Miguel, Camilo, Naomi and Lenny To my family and friends, who have supported me emotionally and financially during the difficult years. My sons, Carlos Juan and Andres Miguel, always giving me motivation and practical assistance. This thesis would not have been possible without your love, support and constant patience. To my ancestors Rodriguez, who struggled along with me every night to obtain this doctorate. To the memory of my father Carlos Lascoutx, my mother Clara Ruiz, my aunt Maria Rios, and my uncle Miguel Ruiz, who always encouraged me to carry on with my studies. To my friends, Daniela Bettiol, Armando Aranguren, Manelly Vera, Gabriel Pilonieta, Luis Vizcaya, Ismael Santos, Lastenia Narvaez, Cesar Diaz, Isaac Nahon, Johan Hamels, Luis Barnola, Ginette Sharp, who have shown their love, friendship and solidarity in many different ways. I really thank you all. Y siempre a Dios y la Virgen que nunca me abandonan.
    [Show full text]
  • CONSERVATION SCIENCE in OCEANIA Society for Conservation Biology Oceania 2019-2020 Report
    CONSERVATION SCIENCE IN OCEANIA Society for Conservation Biology Oceania 2019-2020 report SCB Oceania 2020 Report 1 July 2020 Introduction to Oceania Section Strategy The Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) is a global community of professional conservation scientists and practitioners. The SCB has grown tremendously since it was founded in 1985. A major strategic initiative identified in 1999 led to the establishment of regional sections, and the evolution of SCB into an international society. The SCB Oceania was created as part of this strategic initiative and has been functioning as a regional section of SCB with an elected independent board since 2005. The SCB Oceania region has five sub-regions, reflecting human cultures and colonisation: Australia, Melanesia, Micronesia, New Zealand and Polynesia. In the past five years SCBO, among other activities, has: doubled its membership (250 members 2013 – 500 members 2018); held very successful conferences every two years (Darwin 2012; Suva 2014; Brisbane 2016; Wellington 2018); grown our regional chapters from 3 to 7; continued to support and grow the regional journal Pacific Conservation Biology, including a memorandum of understanding with CSIRO publications; and published conservation science statements (Weeks et al. 2016, PCB) and regional priorities (Weeks and Adams 2018, Conservation Biology). SCBO has revised its strategic plan (Conservation Science in Oceania, 2018-2023) to build the impact of our Society in our region and to grow the programs and services we deliver to our members. The plan provides strategic direction, implementation guidance and high-level parameters to guide SCB-Oceania’s work through annual work plans for the two main committees: Science and Education and Policy.
    [Show full text]
  • 04-2020 Pif Earth Day Special Newsletter
    “This institution is an equal opportunity provider.” Earth Day Special 2020 Protecting your wooded land for the future is essential to WELCOME NEW MEMBER(S) clean water, clean air, wildlife habitat, sustainable wood Robert and Susan Ivancevich supply...all things that are necessary to society and health, and that are gone forever if the land is developed. Contact Us Inside this issue: Partners in Forestry Landowner Cooperative Partners in Forestry Cooperative and Northwoods Alliance, Inc. 6063 Baker Lake Road Conover, WI 54519 Celebrate 50 Years of Earth Day - Joe’s Comments .................................2 [email protected] 715-479-8528 Climate Change and Pests...A Double Threat ..............................................3 PIF’s Website: When the Earth Moves Kicks off Earth Day 2020 Online Events ............4 www.partnersinforestry.com A new booklet helps landowners consider climate risks ..........................5 PIF Board Ancient trees do their part to combat climate change and protect biodiversity .........................................................................................8 Joe Hovel Jim Joyce Joe Koehler A bumper crop of miinikaanan on wiigwaasaatig and Charlie Mitchell baapaagirmaak .................................................................................................9 Margo Popovich John Schwarzmann Profile of a Young Conservation Leader: Rachel Hovel ..........................11 Rod Sharka Richard Steffes Bird Song Opera ................................................................................................13
    [Show full text]
  • The Nature of Environment: the Dialectics of Social and Environmental Change*
    THE NATURE OF ENVIRONMENT: THE DIALECTICS OF SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE* David Harvey I Prologue Around 'Earthday' 1970, I recall reading a special issue of the business journal Fortune on the environment. It celebrated the rise of the environ- mental issue as a 'non-class issue' and President Nixon, in an invited editorial, opined that future generations would judge us entirely by the quality of environment they inherited. On 'Earthday' itself, I attended a campus rally in Baltimore and heard several rousing speeches, mostly by middle class white radicals, attacking the lack of concern for the qualities of the air we breathed, the water we drank, the food we consumed and lamenting the materialist and consumerist approach to the world which was producing all manner of resource depletion and environmental degra- dation. The following day I went to the Left Bank Jazz club, a popular spot frequented by African-American families in Baltimore. The musicians interspersed their music with interactive commentary over the deteriorat- ing state of the environment. They talked about lack of jobs, poor housing, racial discrimination, crumbling cities, culminating in the claim, which sent the whole place into paroxysms of cheering, that their main environ- mental problem was President Richard Nixon. What struck me at the time, and what continues to strike me, is that the 'environmental issue' necessarily means such different things to different people, that in aggregate it encompasses quite literally everything there is. Business leaders worry about the political and legal environment, politi- cians worry about the economic environment, city dwellers worry about "This text was first presented in embryo at the Havens Center in the University of Wisconsin and as Ida Beam Visiting Fellow in the University of Iowa in March, 1991.
    [Show full text]