Environmental Politics

This book explores the dynamics of environmental politics as a conflict of stakeholder interests, highlighting recent shifts in policymaking, the role of new actors, and the impact of global warming.

Environmental Politics: Stakeholders, Interests, and Policymaking offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate dynamics that shape environmental policy. The author emphasizes that environmental politics is essentially a contest between various stakeholders, each with their own interests, and that effective policy emerges from the negotiation and reconciliation of these competing viewpoints. This second edition highlights significant changes in the lawmaking process and addresses the evolving landscape of environmental politics.

The book details several key developments that have transformed the field in recent years. Notably, it examines the increasing activism of businesses regarding environmental issues, the shift of policymaking influence from the federal government to state and local levels, and the emergence of new participants in the environmental arena, including faith-based organizations. Additionally, it discusses the surprising collaboration between organized labor and environmentalists, as well as the unification of diverse environmental advocacy groups in the fight against global warming.

Written by a seasoned expert with over 25 years of experience in environmental policymaking, this text provides students with an insider's perspective on how policies are formulated. By analyzing contemporary environmental challenges through the lens of stakeholder interests, Environmental Politics not only sheds light on the policy adoption process but also underscores the significant impact of global warming as a pivotal political force. This book serves as an essential resource for understanding the complexities of environmental governance and the various factors that influence policymaking today.