ABSTRACT

An Introduction to Sustainability provides students with a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and ideas which are encompassed within the growing field of sustainability.

The book teases out the diverse but intersecting domains of sustainability and emphasises strategies for action. Aimed at those studying the subject for the first time, it is unique in giving students from different disciplinary backgrounds a coherent framework and set of core principles for applying broad sustainability principles within their personal and professional lives. These include: working to improve equality within and across generations, moving from consumerism to quality of life goals and respecting diversity in both nature and culture.

Areas of emerging importance such as the economics of happiness and wellbeing stand alongside core topics including:

  • Energy and society
  • Consumption and consumerism
  • Risk and resilience
  • Waste, water and land.

Key challenges and applications are explored through international case studies and each chapter includes a thematic essay drawing on diverse literature to provide an integrated introduction to fundamental issues.

Launched with the brand-new Routledge Sustainability Hub, the book’s companion website contains a range of features to engage students with the interdisciplinary nature of Sustainability. Together these resources provide a wealth of material for learning, teaching and researching the topic of sustainability.

This textbook is an essential companion to any sustainability course.

chapter 1|8 pages

Introduction

part |2 pages

Part I History, Key Concepts and Operating Principles

chapter 3|16 pages

Consumption and consumerism

chapter 4|20 pages

Global challenges as wicked problems

chapter 5|18 pages

Energy and society

chapter 7|16 pages

Risk and resilience

part |2 pages

Part II Finding Focus and Taking Action

chapter 8|16 pages

Environmental dimensions of sustainability

chapter 9|16 pages

Social dimensions of sustainability

chapter 10|16 pages

Personal dimensions

chapter 11|16 pages

Taking action

part |2 pages

Part III Key Challenges and Applications

chapter 13|16 pages

Focusing on water

chapter 14|22 pages

Food and agriculture

chapter 15|18 pages

The urban challenge

chapter 16|16 pages

Rethinking waste