We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Environmental sustainability from the perspective of political economy
Summary
Not relevant to microplastics — this book chapter takes a political economy perspective on environmental sustainability, discussing climate change, biodiversity loss, and plastic pollution at a broad policy and philosophical level rather than conducting original microplastics research.
Hope has a utopian function, claims the German philosopher Ernst Bloch. It is neither a wish nor a fantasy, but an emotion that allows us to anticipate the future in the present. The emotions that accompany us when we read reports on climate change, endangered species or plastic pollution of the environment. We hope that new technologies, the progress of science and the solidarity of the inhabitants, in particular of developed countries, will stop the ongoing changes and the next generations will be able to continue to enjoy the high quality of life on this planet using its resources. This chapter focuses on the most important environmental challenges facing humanity. The latest figures I refer to paint different scenarios, but experts agree that action should be taken now. Using the achievements of the political economy of sustainability, as well as feminist and ecological economics, I point to proposals for actions that prefiguratively shape the image of the economy of the future in the service of nature and society. This unique contribution allows for a holistic view of the concept of environmental sustainability, which is central to the other dimensions described in this book – social and economic.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Sustainability within a global environmental change context
This book chapter summarizes the key human drivers of environmental change—including plastic and microplastic pollution—and introduces ecosystem services as the framework for understanding how human activities disrupt the natural systems that sustain life. It provides conceptual context for sustainability education rather than original empirical findings.
Toxicological aspects of wastewater
This textbook chapter is not about microplastics specifically; it provides a broad review of environmental toxicology topics including climate change, water and air pollution, and industrial contaminants, with microplastics mentioned only as one of many pollutants.
An Examination of Microplastics: Environmental Impact, Sustainability, and Recyclability Innovation
This paper examined the environmental impact of microplastics, sustainability implications of current plastic use, and recycling options to address the plastic pollution crisis. It called for a transition toward circular economy approaches that reduce primary plastic production and increase recycled content.
Economy or Environment? Sustainability from a Political Economy Perspective
This review examines environmental sustainability challenges from a political economy perspective, tracing the history of economic pressures on ecosystems from the mid-19th century to the present and evaluating theoretical frameworks and sustainability indicators used to monitor and limit the growing impact of economic systems on the natural environment.
Understanding Environmental and Socio‐economic Risks Associated with Microplastics
This book chapter reviews the environmental, health, and socioeconomic risks associated with microplastics, examining their cytotoxicity, immune disruption, and presence across food chain trophic levels. It also discusses economic costs of microplastic pollution and outlines mitigation strategies at individual and policy levels.