Environmental Problem Solving: A How-To Guide

By Jeffrey W. Hughes

As environmental problems become increasingly complex, it is critical that students and activists learn the skills with which to address them. Although there already are many case studies of actual... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1584655925
• ISBN13: 9781584655923
• Release Date: April 2007
• Publisher: University Press of New England
• Length: 217 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

A valuable field companion for US-based eco-problems

There is a plethora of tool-kit oriented material for business schools and apprenticeship programs for educators in general. However, environmental problems have received scant attention as a distinct field of inquiry for such efforts. It is thus refreshing to see Jeffrey Hughes's book in an affordable paperback edition which can be used by students and practitioners alike. Environmental problems are often intractable because of the level of multiple causality and the range of stakeholders involved. The confluence of science and policy is also particularly acute in this domain. "Environmental Problem Solving" book provides a novel set of group exercises and techniques for training programs. The writing style is lucid and entertaining -- a rarity for this genre of books. The only deficiency of the book is a paucity of case examples from various cultural traditions. Some more examples of how environmental problems are solved in different international contexts would have expanded the applicability and marketability of the volume. Perhaps Dr. Hughes might consider developing an accompanying web site to the book which could address this concern. Overall, the book is a welcome addition to the sparse repertoire of training materials available to environmental practitioners.

This book arguably may have helped me start my career...

I bought this book after looking at the table of contents and after my own inquiries about addressing environmental problems. Many times, a state of gridlock develops between at least two polarized groups who are completely unwilling to make any compromises, and consequently, making any progress is difficult at best. So, I was not disappointed when I started reading this book. Although I have not finished it, I was impressed with how easy it was to read, but the concepts are pretty heavy especially for those who tend to consider themselves more environmentally minded. Throughout the book, Mr. Hughes emphasizes the need for creativity and true openmindedness, as well as really trying to put yourself in the other person's place. These are not easy tasks, but he illustrates how essential these skills are in making slow but steady progress. With regard to a job search and the role that this book played, the outcome is quite interesting. I had one job interview with an environmental consulting firm before reading the book, and incidentally did not get the job. I was actually asked in this interview what I would do as a consultant if I had someone screaming at me that what I wanted to do was ludicrous and made no sense. Revealingly, the interviewer said that he often ended up screaming back (which further escalates the situation). I was thrown off by his question and unprepared to answer it well. Now enter my reading this book and a different interview, this time with a state environmental regulatory agency. I explain my "new school" approach (what some would term this book regarding its strategies), and my emphasis on finding mutual points of consensus between polarized groups, and I get offered the job. So, those who are interested in innovative environmental problem solving, read this, and you may just get a job because of it.

Environmental Problems Understood

This book is clear and deep. Like a lake it covers a wide expanse and provides a rich store of information. Jeffrey Hughes is not jaded by the environmental problems he sees. His enthusiam and practical solutions are impressive. A good read that helped me look at issues with new eyes.