Book Review

by Paul Ganderton

Barrow CJ. 1999. Environmental Management: Principles and Practice. Routledge. Pp x + 326. ISBN0 415 18561 0.

Despite the similarity of title, this text takes a completely different perspective on environmental management (EM) from the previous one. Its focus is on theory and how this can be applied to practice. An introduction is followed three chapters which together cover fundamental concepts (a study of the history and development of EM), law (the modern framework) and standards (which includes monitoring and modelling). These chapters set the scene. The next stage is to examine the economics and risk assessment of EM. These are both important areas with the costs and benefits of any scheme being crucial and risks analysis suggesting how much it is worth doing. Four interesting chapters follow which seem out of sequence at first glance but which actually broaden the debate. EM and science, environmentalism, ecosystems and difficult situations could be characterised as putting the procedures to the test. The chapter on science shows the limits of knowledge; on environmentalism, the limits of public concern; on ecosystems, the variety of approaches that could be tried and in difficult situations, the lessons that can be learnt from stressing EM. The final four chapters are a miscellany with pollution, participation and management as key themes. A final 'way ahead' chapter shows the possible developments. The presentation is more conventional than Sheldon and Young's but it is still lucidly written despite the weight of content it gets through.

This is a very good text. The comprehensive nature of the coverage is first-rate for an introductory text and geographically it gives cases from around the world which adds to its value. Some lower school students might find some of the ideas difficult it would present little difficulty to a sixth-former. Its an excellent and thought-provoking start to this rapidly growing subject area. Given Sheldon and Young and Barrow which one is the better buy? Try both! - they are excellent guides and together they form the best introduction at present available.