ABSTRACT
This book focuses on the politics of street trees and the institutions, actors and processes that govern their planning, planting and maintenance. This is an innovative approach which is particularly important in the context of mounting environmental and societal challenges and reveals a huge amount about the nature of modern life, social change and political conflict.
The work first provides different historical perspectives on street trees and politics, celebrating diversity in different cultures. A second section discusses street tree values, policy and management, addressing more contemporary issues of their significance and contribution to our environment, both physically and philosophically. It explores cultural idiosyncrasies and those from the point of view of political economy, particularly challenging the neo-liberal perspectives that continue to dominate political narratives. The final section provides case studies of community engagement, civil action and governance. International case studies bring together contrasting approaches in areas with diverging political directions or intentions, the constraints of laws and the importance of people power.
By pursuing an interdisciplinary approach this book produces an information base for academics, practitioners, politicians and activists alike, thus contributing to a fairer political debate that helps to promote more democratic environments that are sustainable, equitable, comfortable and healthier.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part 1|134 pages
Historic perspectives on street trees and politics
chapter 2|14 pages
‘Trees even in their very roads’
chapter 3|12 pages
Green lines of power?
chapter 4|14 pages
Progress and economics
chapter 6|14 pages
Drivers of street tree species selection
chapter 7|13 pages
A ‘silent’ activist for trees
part 2|126 pages
Street tree values, policy and management
chapter 11|14 pages
Highway tree policies and management
chapter 12|13 pages
Street trees matter, so what's the matter with street trees?
part 3|122 pages
Community engagement, civic action and governance