Beyond Sustainability: A Thriving Environment - Paperback

by Tim Delaney (Author), Tim Madigan (Author)

This book approaches the study of the environment from two academic disciplines: both sociologists and philosophers have concerns about our environment's ability not only to sustain itself but to thrive. The book examines the differences between sustainability and thrivability. Such topics as the sixth mass extinction (now underway), fracking, plastics, food waste and deforestation are explored. The book also considers the skepticism about humans' being the cause of a deteriorating environment and details nature's adverse role in harming the environment. Finally, the text gives reasons why choosing a thrivability approach is not only (obviously) beneficial but quite possible, and discusses practical ways in which thrivability can be taught. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Author Biography

Tim Delaney is a professor of sociology at the State University of New York at Oswego. He teaches environmental sociology classes and is a member of SUNY Oswego's sustainability studies program. He lives in Auburn, New York. Tim Madigan is a professor and department chair of philosophy at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York. A past president of the Northeast Popular Culture Association and a member of his college's Center for Sustainability, he teaches courses on environmental ethics.