Читать книгу What is Environmental Sociology? - Diana Stuart - Страница 5

My approach for this book was inspired by my experiences teaching undergraduate and graduate-level environmental sociology and environmental studies courses over the past ten years. In recent years, I have noticed a significant shift in student morale. The existential environmental threats we currently face, especially those posed by climate change, are impossible for students to ignore, and many feel powerless and defeated by the lack of meaningful action taken. In my courses, I actively work to counter these feelings, as they only help to ensure our current trajectory. I emphasize potential solutions and alternative pathways. I also find it critical to repeatedly communicate and illustrate that another way and a different future is possible. We are not simply “doomed,” as there are many paths left to choose from, some that offer much more positive social and ecological outcomes than others.

There is tremendous work to be done to correct our current trajectory and steer a course toward the best future possible. Even if this path is through uncharted waters and the challenges are daunting, there is a moral imperative to keep going. We are also in an exciting moment in history, where public opinions have shifted and social movements are challenging the current system. At the same time, powerful groups are using vast financial resources to protect the status quo. In addition, unexpected events, like the Covid-19 pandemic, can quickly reshape what is politically and socially possible. Rather than feeling powerless and dreading the inevitable environmental disasters ahead, it remains critical that we keep working to justly minimize harm. Environmental sociologists continue to play a key role in this work. In this book, I highlight this work and focus on how environmental sociology can help us to address the escalating environmental threats we face and forge pathways for the best possible future.