Understanding Environmental Policy [Paperback]

Steven Cohen (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0231135378 | ISBN-13: 978-0231135375 | Publication Date: May 30, 2006

In Understanding Environmental Policy, Steven Cohen introduces an innovative, multidimensional framework for developing effective environmental policy within the United States and around the world. He demonstrates his approach through an analysis of four case studies representing current local, national, and international environmental challenges: New York City's garbage crisis; the problem of leaks from underground storage units; toxic waste contamination and the Superfund program; and global climate change. He analyzes the political, scientific, technological, organizational, and moral import of these environmental issues and the nature of the policy surrounding them. He also places a specific focus on the response from the George W. Bush administration. Cohen considers how our current environmental policy and problems reflect the value we place on our ecosystems; whether science and technology can solve the environmental problems they create; and what policy is necessary to reduce environmentally damaging behaviors. Cohen's multifaceted approach is essential reading for analysts, managers, activists, students, and scholars of environmental policy.

(11/1/2006)

Editorial Reviews

Review

A scholarly, detailed analysis... invaluable.

(Midwest Book Review )

Recommended.

(Choice )

About the Author

Steven Cohen is executive director of Columbia University's Earth Institute and professor in the practice of public affairs at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). He is also director of the masters program in sustainability management at Columbia's School of Continuing Education. At SIPA, Cohen directs the MPA in environmental science and policy, as well as the concentration in energy and environmental policy. He has served as a policy analyst and consultant to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other government agencies. His books include Sustainability Management: Lessons from and for New York City, America, and the Planet and The Effective Public Manager, now in its fourth edition. Cohen is also a regular contributor to the Huffington Post.

(12/1/2006)

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Columbia University Press (May 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0231135378
• ISBN-13: 978-0231135375
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #298,258 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Political science students - especially those working on the global scale - will also find it invaluable., November 6, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Environmental Policy (Paperback)

College-level students of environmental science will find Understanding Environmental Policy a scholarly, detailed analysis of the structure of such policy development around the world. Cohen uses his background as a director of the Master of Public Administration program in Environmental Science to analyze not just scientific policy development, but its global political ramifications and influences, with chapters surveying policy implementation, political issues, regulation strategy approaches, and much more. Political science students - especially those working on the global scale - will also find it invaluable.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on policy, May 5, 2008

By 

L. Mark Hoerrner "Syllable Peddler" (Kennesaw, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Understanding Environmental Policy (Hardcover)

Professor Cohen (Now a vice-dean at Columbia University) presents a very easy to read and understand framework for interpreting environmental issues. To illustrate this, he applies his framework to a number of cases - toxic spills, the New York garbage crisis and more which underlines the different policy angles from which a specific environmental issue can be viewed. I highly recommend this book to any undergrad studying environmental policy and any graduate student looking to use a specific methodology for research.