Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explains transnational actors in global environmental politics. It explores environmental improvement not in economic tools but in the way the environment is perceived as a security issue and the policy consequences arising thereof. The book describes the rise in importance of the study of consumption as well as identifying the actors of global sustainable consumption governance. It explains environmental and ecological justice to the forefront of political concepts to consider in global environmental politics. The book introduces a young concept to global environmental politics. It contends that, if the concept is generally couched in the discourses of war, conflict, sovereignty, and traditional power dynamics, then associating the environment with security is problematic. The book offers a historical and analytical overview of international environmental justice, covering concepts as well as the application of justice issues.