Environment, Education and Society in the Asia-Pacific: Local Traditions and Global Discourses

Description

This important volume explores the influence of global environmental discourses, and local traditions and practices, in twelve countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Two fundamental, interlocking questions are addressed: To what degree is a common environmental discourse emerging within the region? To what degree do environmental attitudes and behaviour remain embedded in local traditions and practices? Answers to these questions are sought on the basis of two parallel groups of studies. The first closely examines cultural influences in individual countries, including traditional attitudes to nature and the contemporary politics of the environment. Against this background, the second study examines the attitudes of young people across the region, based upon extensive survey and focus group data. Emerging from these investigations are striking findings that illuminate the patterns of social and environmental conditions within the Asia-Pacific. Offering a wealth of original material and data, and important conclusions concerning the direction of environmental policy and education in the region, the book will be of value to students, researchers and policy-makers alike.