Our Earth Matters

On 21 May 2019, it was officially recognized that we are now living in the Anthropocene, our earth’s latest geological epoch, named for the 'unmistakable imprint of human activities'. This announcement came almost 60 years after the publication of Rachel Carson’s landmark work of environmental writing, Silent Spring, and next year (2022) it will be 50 years since the first UN Conference on the Human Environment, held in Stockholm in June 1972. This book, Our Earth Matters: Pathways to a Better Common Environmental Future, is a special issue of the journal Environmental Policy and Law, which was first published in 1975. It presents 21 invited contributions by outstanding scholars from around the world, which examine existing global regulatory approaches, processes, instruments and institutions for the protection of the global environment. The articles are grouped under four headings: Prognoses, Processes, Problematique and Prospects, and in them the authors have sought to explore answers to the existential environmental crisis. They urge us to ponder our reckless destruction of natural spaces, endangering of plant and animal species, poisoning of the environment, and general disturbance of our essential ecological processes. The primary objective of the book is to raise the awareness of the global audience by inspiring scholars and decision-makers to re-examine current global approaches to environmental issues and explore the future trajectory with new ideas and frameworks for international environmental governance in the 21st century and beyond. The book will be of interest to all those working to secure the sustainable future of the human race on our only abode, planet Earth. Bharat H. Desai is Professor of International Law and Jawaharlal Nehru Chair in International Environmental Law, Centre for International Legal Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; Editor-in-Chief of the journal Environmental Policy & Law (Amsterdam: IOS Press) and of the Yearbook of International Environmental Law (Oxford: OUP).

The human perception of Earth in space is ever changing. Once upon a time there was this belief that our Earth is flat... But scientifically, what is currently known of Earth in space and life on Earth? In Space-Earth Matters, Dr. Parashar outlines the scientific history of space from the Big Bang and the genesis of stars and planets billions of years ago to the recent human enterprise of placing thousands of satellites in orbit around our Earth. Dr. Parashar will spacewalk you through the characteristics of orbital mechanics and the basics to understanding the motion of planets and satellites in space and answer such questions as: • How are space science and technology through satellites, sensors, and ground systems being employed for the observation of Earth and exploration of our solar system? • Are such activities in space regulated and managed—and by whom? • Who is responsible for the global governance of space including space debris? • Are there any socio-economic returns of space investments and who has the capability to deploy space missions in order to derive these benefits? Dr. Parashar explains why space-based applications like weather and environmental monitoring, resource mapping, disaster management support, communications, and navigation are of utmost value to all of us on Earth. Space-Earth Matters is a diverse and yet thoroughly approachable exploration of all matters Space and Earth for you, your colleagues, friends, and family.

For much of history, soil has played a major, and often central, role in the lives of humans. Entire societies have risen, and collapsed, through the management or mismanagement of soil; farmers and gardeners worldwide nurture their soil to provide their plants with water, nutrients, and protection from pests and diseases; major battles have been aborted or stalled by the condition of soil; murder trials have been solved with evidence from the soil; and, for most of us, our ultimate fate is the soil. In this book Richard Bardgett discusses soil and the many, and sometimes surprising, ways that humanity has depended on it throughout history, and still does today. Analysing the role soil plays in our own lives, despite increasing urbanization, and in the biogeochemical cycles that allow the planet to function effectively, Bardgett considers how superior soil management could combat global issues such as climate change, food shortages, and the extinction of species. Looking to the future, Bardgett argues that it is vital for the future of humanity for governments worldwide to halt soil degradation, and to put in place policies for the future sustainable management of soils.

The Earth's climate is changing. It's getting hotter. In Australia over the past 50 years, maximum temperatures have been creeping higher. There have been record droughts, floods and bushfires. Why is this happening and what can we do to stop it getting worse?

This teacher's guide helps students explore the connection between human population growth and the well-being of the planet. Twelve readings and 34 activities introduce high school students to global society and environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, gender equality, economics, poverty, energy, wildlife endangerment, waste disposal, food and hunger, water resources, air pollution, deforestation, and population dynamics. Teaching strategies include role playing simulations, laboratory experiments, problem-solving challenges, and mathematical exercises, cooperative learning projects, research, and discussion. These activities were designed to develop a number of student skills including critical thinking, research, public speaking, writing, data collection and analysis, cooperation, decision making, creative problem solving, reading comprehension, conflict resolution and values clarification. Each chapter and activity can be used alone to illustrate points or be inserted into existing curriculum. Activity subject areas are listed along with a quick list reference of the summary of activities. A reference guide of activities linked to National Standards is also included. Contains suggested resources, including books, periodicals, audiovisuals, hardbooks and wall charts, software, and internet sites, for each topic area. (SJR)

Earth Matters on Stage: Ecology and Environment in American Theater tells the story of how American theater has shaped popular understandings of the environment throughout the twentieth century as it argues for theater’s potential power in the age of climate change. Using cultural and environmental history, seven chapters interrogate key moments in American theater and American environmentalism over the course of the twentieth century in the United States. It focuses, in particular, on how drama has represented environmental injustice and how inequality has become part of the American environmental landscape. As the first book-length ecocritical study of American theater, Earth Matters examines both familiar dramas and lesser-known grassroots plays in an effort to show that theater can be a powerful force for social change from frontier drama of the late nineteenth century to the eco-theater movement. This book argues that theater has always and already been part of the history of environmental ideas and action in the United States. Earth Matters also maps the rise of an ecocritical thought and eco-theater practice – what the author calls ecodramaturgy – showing how theater has informed environmental perceptions and policies. Through key plays and productions, it identifies strategies for artists who want their work to contribute to cultural transformation in the face of climate change.

A colorful discussion of conservation that will entertain and educate any child! My Earth, My Home gently guides young readers through a conversation that illuminates the concept of global connection and environmental cause and effect. An engaging text and more than forty full-color illustrations provide an opportunity for discussing and understanding not only what we can do to save our planet, but why it is so important. Also included are a Messy Planet Action Plan, as well as an Earth-Smart Dictionary. Called “the perfect children’s introduction to environmental issues” by Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, this book encourages maturity, ownership, and problem-solving discussion among kids and their parents, teachers, or caregivers. It is a must for every school and family library.

“This book comes at just the right moment. It is NOT too late if we get together and take action, NOW.” —Jane Goodall Fears about climate change are fueling an epidemic of despair across the world: adults worry about their children’s future; thirty-somethings question whether they should have kids or not; and many young people honestly believe they have no future at all. In the face of extreme eco-anxiety, scholar and award-winning author Elin Kelsey argues that our hopelessness—while an understandable reaction—is hampering our ability to address the very real problems we face. Kelsey offers a powerful solution: hope itself. Hope Matters boldly breaks through the narrative of doom and gloom to show why evidence-based hope, not fear, is our most powerful tool for change. Kelsey shares real-life examples of positive climate news that reveal the power of our mindsets to shape reality, the resilience of nature, and the transformative possibilities of individual and collective action. And she demonstrates how we can build on positive trends to work toward a sustainable and just future, before it’s too late. Praise for Hope Matters “Whether you consider yourself a passionate ally of nature, a busy bystander, or anything in between, this book will uplift your spirits, helping you find hope in the face of climate crisis.” —Veronica Joyce Lin, North American Association for Environmental Education “30 Under 30” “A tonic in hard times.” —Claudia Dreyguis, author of Scientific Conversations: Interviews on Science from the New York Times “Beautifully written and an effective antidote against apathy and inaction.” —Christof Mauch, Director, Rachel Carson Center for the Environment and Society Published in Partnership with the David Suzuki Institute.