The Challenge of Sustainability

"A comprehensive and insightful view of the politics involved in meeting the challenges of sustainability....a valuable text, a fine contribution to the literature on sustainability." Local Economy

“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

Hugh Atkinson is 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 (Manchester University Press, 2012). He is a founder member of the PSA specialist group on environmental politics.

Ros Wade is Professor of Education for Sustainability at London South Bank University and Director of the international Education for Sustainability programme. She chairs the London Regional Centre of Expertise in Education for Sustainability.

Introduction ~ Hugh Atkinson and Ros Wade;

Section one: The challenge of sustainability – politics, education and learning;

Planetary challenges: the agenda laid bare ~ Hugh Atkinson;

The politics of sustainability: democracy and the limits of policy action ~ Stuart Wilks-Heeg;

Learning for sustainability: the challenges for education policy and practice ~ Ros Wade;

Section two: What is to be done ? – case studies in politics, education and learning;

Climate change and environmental policy in the USA: lessons in political action ~ Hugh Atkinson;

‘Greening’ the European Union? The Europeanization of EU Environment policy: institution building and learning ~ John O’Brennan;

Re-thinking globalisation: politics, sustainability, learning and convergence ~ Jenneth Parker;

Section three: What is to be done?- What is to be done-case studies in learning for sustainability from across the globe;

The challenge of sustainability in Sub Saharan Africa – the implications for education policy and practice ~ Ros Wade with Vincent Muhumaza, Chikondi Musange and Heinrich Rukindo;

Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) as mobilising mechanisms for Education for Sustainable Development ~ Roger A. Petry, Lyle M. Benko, Takaaki Koganezawa and Tomonori Ichinose; Mary Otieno; with Ros Wade;

Social media and sustainability: the right to the city ~ John Blewitt;

Section Four: Emerging themes and future scenarios;

Emerging themes and future scenarios ~ Hugh Atkinson and Ros Wade;

Afterword ~ Hugh Atkinson and Ros Wade.