Environmental Security

Surprisingly, this is the first multidisciplinary volume on the developing field of environmental security dealing with the interaction between economic development, population growth and resource management - of which the food security book reviewed below is an example. The first part of the book is largely theoretical and includes contributions on environment conflict research, the political ecology of environmental security, cooperation as a tool for peace building and environmental dimensions of human security. One can see how readily scarcity can become more challenging as a focus of conflict. It is useful to be aware of the various dimensions of ecological security, including the relationship between human societies and natural resources, populations of other animal species and, last but not least, pathogenic microorganisms - many of which are generated by our agricultural practices. The second part of the book looks at various topics such as water security, population, sustainable development, food security, energy security and climate change security. One essay situates the issues within the eight Millennium Development Goals and serves as a useful reminder of these targets measured by 60 indicators. The final chapter addresses some critiques of the notion of environmental security and makes a useful point that 'threats' from the natural environment do not imply an aggressor; also that ethical considerations will come increasingly into the foreground. The book should certainly be read by policymakers and the civil servants in the relevant departments.