The Challenge of Sustainability: Linking Politics, Education and Learning

Description

This timely and accessible book explores the links between politics, learning and sustainability. Its central focus is the future of people and the planet itself. The challenges that we face in combatting climate change and building a more sustainable world are complex and the book argues that if we are to successfully meet these challenges we need a fundamental change in the way we do politics and economics, embedding a lifelong commitment to sustainability in all learning. We have no option but to make things work for the better. After all, planet earth is the only home we have! The book will be important reading for academics and students in a variety of related subjects, including politics, public policy, education, sustainable development, geography, media, international relations and development studies. It will also be a valuable resource for NGOs and policy makers.

Hugh Atkinson is a senior lecturer in politics at London South Bank University. He is the author of "Local Democracy, Civic Engagement and Community: From New Labour to the Big Society." Ros Wade is professor in and director of the International Education for Sustainability Program at London South Bank University.

"We know: that global sustainability issues are biting; that radical changes are required; that this change is political yet at the same time requires a change in the way we do politics. And that the same pattern applies to education - necessary change towards sustainability can't happen without learning, but requires a sea-change in the way we view and practise education. By bringing the case for both shifts together and explaining their relationship - as this welcome and timely book does so effectively and lucidly - the authors offer a valuable and much needed contribution towards the possibility of a better future." --Professor Stephen Sterling, Centre for Sustainable Futures, Plymouth University. "This book deserves attention given that it covers a such an important concern for future generations. Living with the capacity of this planet's resources needs to be given a major role in social and political behaviour. This book points the way."-- Professor Jim Chandler, Sheffield Hallam University. "This timely book addresses a crucial political science issue: now that we are aware of the many global sustainability crises, how do we both create and engage a knowledgeable citizenry to democratically and collaboratively resolve both the existing threats and those surely yet to come."-- Professor Charles Hopkins, UNESCO Chair in Education for Sustainable Development, York University, Canada.