Justice, Society and Nature

Environmental and Ecological justice is about the fair distribution of good and bad environments amongst the inhabitants of the planet. People have a right not only to a good local environment but to the integrity of the planetary environment. Environmentalists throughout the world are now regrouping around a new principle – environmental justice. Justice, Society and Nature examines the moral response which the world must now make to the ecological crisis if there is to be real change in the global society and economy to favour ecological integrity. From its base in the idea of the self, through principles of political justice, to the justice of global institutions, the authors trace the layered structure of the philosophy of justice as it applies to environmental and ecological issues. Philosophical ideas are treated in a straightforward and easily understandable way with reference to practical examples.
Moving straight to the heart of pressing international and national concerns, the authors explore the issues of environment and development, fair treatment of humans and non-humans, and the justice of the social and economic systems which affect the health and safety of the peoples of the world. Current grass-roots concerns such as the environmental justice movement in the USA, and the ethics of the international regulation of development are examined in depth. This book is essential reading for those seeking to understand current debates in environmental politics, justice and ecology. The authors take debates beyond mere complaint about the injustice of the world economy, and suggest what should now be done to do justice to nature.

Author Biography

Nicholas Low is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne.
Brendan Gleeson is a Research Fellow at the Australian National University, Urban Research Program.