Environmental Communication and the Public Sphere

By Robert Cox and J. Robert Cox

Book Overview

"This all combines into an intensive introduction to an important aspect of communication--written by a man who has played an active part in the field about which he writes."

--COMMUNICATION BOOKNOTES QUARTERLY

Environmental Communication and the Public Sphere is the first book to offer a comprehensive introduction to the growing field of environmental communication. This groundbreaking book focuses on the role of communication in influencing the ways in which we perceive the environment as well as what actions we and others take in our relations to the natural world.

Key Features Provides comprehensive coverage Thorough treatment is given of the complexity and range of issues, sites, and practices in the field. All of the basic areas of environmental communication are surveyed, including citizen involvement, media, conflict resolution, "green marketing," and much more. Many of the practices of media, corporations, and advocacy groups that are not readily available in public sources are examined. Blends scholarship and hands-on experience Current scholarship is combined with the use of examples and case studies to describe the different forums and the diversity of voices speaking about the environment (such as journalists, environmental groups, public officials, scientists, ordinary citizens, and corporate lobbyists). Author Robbie Cox draws on his personal experiences as two-time president of the largest U.S. environmental group--The Sierra Club--to offer insights into the workings of citizens′ efforts, the media, advocacy campaigns, and other "real world" cases of environmental communication. Encourages citizen participation Students are given insight into the practical ways to participate publicly in influencing the decisions of governmental agencies that affect the environment. In addition, "Act Locally" exercises provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge of the principles of environmental communication on their campus and in their community.

Intended Audience
Ideal for undergraduate students in the fields of Communication and Environmental Studies studying Environmental Communication, Environmental Rhetoric, Media and the Environment, or Introduction to Environmental Studies. The text is also appropriate for courses studying environmental movements in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761930493
• ISBN13: 9780761930495
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc
• Length: 488 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.3" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

This offers discussion of major issues and practices in the field and adds new information

The second updated edition of this classic college-level survey remains the only comprehensive introduction to the field of environmental communication and thus continues to deserve a place in any collection strong in environmental issues. The author uses his background as three-time president of the Sierra Club to explore the interaction between environmentalists and the political and media systems. This offers discussion of major issues and practices in the field and adds new information about court rulings on global warming, new media and more.

fantastic overview

This book is incredibly valuable to anyone seeking to learn more about environmental and social movement communication. It's one of those rare books that smartly, coherently and comprehensively lays out the state of research on an important subfield of communication studies. It's also written in a way that is accessible to both practitioners and scholars.

Not just book smart

From former Vice President Al Gore to Republican consultant Frank Luntz, there is one thing on which we all agree: in order to make a difference in environmental policy and ethics, we need to reflect on and improve the ways we communicate about the environment in the public sphere. This book is a step in that direction. The author of this textbook is not just book smart. J. Robert Cox, a Professor at the UNC-Chapel Hill, also has served in the Sierra Club as the President of the Board of Directors (2000-2001; 1994-96;2007-present) and as a Director (1993-1999; 2000-2006).