Risk environment and modernity

Environmental and risk issues are symptomatic of deep seated social and cultural tensions and transformations in the fabric of contemporary societies. This major con tribution to the study of risk, ecology and environment helps us to understand the politics of ecology and the place of social theory in making sense of environmental issues. The book provides insights into the complex dynamics of change in 'risk societies'.

The issues of risk and environment are explored at three levels. The contributors offer a critical assessment of dominant institutional ways of thinking and talking about risk, and counterpose these with more open, self-critical approaches. They explore individuals' sense of risk, and its expression in collective insecurities. They show how political thinking and debate on risk and environmentalism has been, and can further be, transformed.

Wide-ranging and accessible, the book contains contri butions from leading scholars, including Ulrich Beck, author of Risk Society. It will rapidly establish itself as the key text in the field. The book will be required read ing by students of sociology, political science, geography and environmental studies.

Scott Lash is Professor and Convenor of Postgraduate Studies in Sociology, Lancaster University; Bronislaw Szerszynski is Research Fellow at the Centre for the Study of Environmental Change, Lancaster University, Brian Wynne is Professor of Science Studies and Research Director at the Centre for the Study of Environmental Change, Lancaster University.