Book Review

by Paul Ganderton

Sloep P. and Blowers A. (eds.). 1996. Environmental Policy in an International Context 2: Conflicts. Arnold. pp xiii + 257. ISBN 0 340 65260 8. £17.99.

This is the second in an Open University trilogy aimed at presenting the international dimension to national and international environmental issues. The focus here is conflict. Thus environmental problems are seen not as scientific issues but of conflicting ideas and ideals. The editors argue that much could be achieved just by understanding such conflicts. lle opening chapter takes this theme and examines the nature of conflict and power. Along the way they argue that we should do away with the simplistic notion of offiender/ victim m environmental cases. Subsequent contributions continue with this theme but in relation to a series of case studies. There are a number of scales - the Norfolk Broads, E. Europe and the South - and a range of current issues - acid rain, waste, climate change and biodiversity.

This notion of problem-as-conffict is not new but the more detailed examination is welcome. The choice of case studies is important and the range we are given here has something for most interests. In addition, the popularity of the cases will be a bonus. It should be possible to pick up other perspectives on these cases e.g. ecological to make a very rounded study.