Canadian Ecopolitics provides a comprehensive overview of the intersection between environmental issues and political processes in Canada. It explores key concepts, historical developments, and contemporary challenges in environmental governance, highlighting the diverse world views that shape ecopolitical discourse – from resource extractivism to deep ecology. Rosalind Warner, Peter Stoett, and Will Greaves analyse Canada’s role on the global stage as well as the challenges of multilevel governance of natural resources. The book traces the country’s ecopolitical history from pre-colonial times through confederation to modern environmental movements.
The book emphasizes the critical relationship between environmental issues and political processes in governing vital resources such as energy, water, climate, oceans, and biodiversity, making this analysis both timely and essential. The authors explore the complex interactions among different levels of governance, Indigenous perspectives, and competing interests that influence Canadian environmental policy. With a critical focus on the challenges and opportunities within Canada’s environmental landscape, Canadian Ecopolitics offers valuable insights for students, policymakers, and engaged citizens aiming to understand and transform this crucial area of governance.
List of Illustrations
List of Boxes and Case Studies
Acknowledgments
1. The Canadian Ecopolitical Landscape
L earning Objectives
Introduction: What Is Canadian Ecopolitics?
Canadian Political Basics
Common Themes
Structure of the Book
Conclusion: Putting on the Ecopolitical Lenses
2. Ecopolitical World Views
Learning Objectives
Introduction: Ideas in Canadian Ecopolitics
Ecopolitical Worldviews
From a National to a Planetary Imaginary
Comparing World Views
Four Key Debates within Ecopolitical Thought
Conclusion: Inescapable Complexities
3. The Global Commons and Global Issues
Learning Objectives
Introduction: Canada in the World
The Commons and Global Issues
Ozone Depletion
Biodiversity
Conclusion: From a Commons to a Community
4. Canadian Ecopolitical History
Learning Objectives
Introduction: The Story of Ecopolitical History
Pre-Confederation History: Early Ecopolitical Structures
Post-Confederation Period and Staples
New National Parks and Protected Areas
The Westward Expansion
The Effects of Globalization in Canada
The Road to Indigenous Self-Governance
Conclusion: A Mixed History
5. People, Products, and Planning
Learning Objectives
Introduction
People
Products
Dealing with Pollutants
Food and Agricultural Production
The Forest Industry
International Trade
Planning
Conclusion: Connecting Ecopolitics with Everyday Life
6. Energy
Learning Objectives
Introduction: The Vital Need for Energy
Early Energy
Oil and Gas
Alberta’s Bitumen Sands
Liquified Natural Gas
Electricity
Hydro-Electricity
Nuclear Power
Renewables
Electric Vehicles: The Future of Transportation
Conclusion: Finding the Right Energy Mix
7. Freshwater and Canadian Ecopolitics
Learning Objectives
Introduction: Water and Life
The Water Cycle and Human Control
Water Users and Rights
Water Quality and Pollution
Multi-Level Governance of Water
Crossing The Border
Inherent Rights for Water?
Conclusion: Future Flows
8. Oceans
Learning Objectives
Introduction: The Changing Oceans
Climate Change and the Oceans
The Fishing Nations
Aquaculture
Pollution
Marine Noise Pollution
Deep Seabed Mining
Conclusion: The Oceanic Imperative
9. Climate Ecopolitics
Learning Objectives
Introduction: The Climate Crisis
Early Canadian Activism
The Kyoto Roller Coaster
After Kyoto
The Paris Agreement
Conclusion: Future Prospects for Progress
10. Biosecurity and Health
Learning Objectives
Introduction: Health Is Ecopolitical?
Disease
Biodiversity Loss as a Threat to Biosecurity and Health
Biological Invasion
The Illegal Wildlife Trade
Climate Change: The Ultimate Biosecurity and Health Threat
Conclusion: An Overlooked Agenda
11. The Arctic
Learning Objectives
Introduction: The View from the North
Climate Change Impacts in the Arctic
Arctic Natural Resources
Governing the Arctic Environment
International Law and Institutions
The Urban Arctic
Indigenous Governance
Conclusion: The Arctic as An Ecopolitical Fulcrum
12. Assessing Canadian Ecopolitics
Learning Objectives
Introduction: The Panorama of Canadian Ecopolitics
Indigenous Peoples
Climate Change
Biodiversity Loss
Pollution and Product Life Cycles
Security
Environmental Ethics
Multi-Level Adaptive Governance Gaps
Indigenous Sovereignty and Ways of Being
Accountability and Good Ecopolitical Citizenship
Environmental and Non-Human Legal Rights and Representation
Canada as a Global Citizen
What Can You Do?
Notes
References
Index
Height:229
Width:152
Spine:25
Weight:1.00