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 affectthe 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.