Despite sporadic news coverage of extreme weather, international conventions on climate change, or special UN days, rarely do we participate in a sustained analysis of environmental policy making. To remedy this shortcoming and to propel the discussion forward, Peter J. Stoett provides a concise introduction to environmental governance.

Through seven case studies, Stoett analyzes the ability of international policy to provide environmental protection and discusses the ever-present factors of equality, sovereignty, and human rights integral to these issues. While providing a panoramic view of the actors and structures producing these policies, Stoett reminds readers that the topic is personal, that responsible governance is not solely the charge of governments but of individuals and communities as well.