Includes bibliographical references (p. 325-357) and index.

"Tony Fitzpatrick has assembled a very thoughtful collection of chapters which examine the various ways in which social and environmental concerns intersect with one another. At a very general level, sustainability offers a neat and tidy way to reconcile them. But as this book usefully reveals, in practice they interact in ways that are far from straightforward." Professor Andrew Jordan, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia.

"The intersection of social policy and environmental policy is strategically and morally vital yet has remained a strangely neglected area. No longer. This comprehensive book covers real world challenges, sustainable ethics, a host of applied policy issues, and some bigger questions about the possibility of a green welfare state." Ian Gough, Emeritus Professor, University of Bath.

Environmental issues are central to the social and political reforms of the 21st century. Bringing together leading experts, this textbook explores the social, political, economic and moral challenges that environmental problems pose for social policy in a global context. Combining theory and practice with an interdisciplinary approach, the book reviews the current strategies and provides a critique of proposed future developments.

Understanding the environment and social policy guides the reader through the subject in an accessible way using chapter summaries, further reading, recommended websites, a glossary and questions for discussion.

Providing a much-needed overview of environmentalism and social policy, the book will be invaluable reading for students, teachers, activists, practitioners and policy makers. --Book Jacket.