A Critical Introduction to Environmental Communication

This new textbook introduces environmental communication as a sociocultural practice and an integral part of governance processes. It promotes change-oriented, critical and reflective environmental communication practice in a way that is both accessible and relevant.

This new textbook introduces environmental communication as a sociocultural practice and an integral part of governance processes. It promotes change-oriented, critical and reflective environmental communication practice in a way that is both accessible and relevant. Existing textbooks emphasise instrumental and normative perspectives on environmental communication, advising readers on how to effectively communicate environmental issues to encourage more sustainable practices. This book expands on these perspectives while also introducing other approaches to understanding environmental communication that highlight its constitutive role in social change. It consists of three central themes that:Contextualise environmental communication within critical social science research through conceptual lenses such as social practices, governance, and power. Discuss different understandings of communication and conflict which are relevant for environmental communication research and practice. Explore what it means to do environmental communication in a complex world, from facilitating dialogue processes to navigating digital platforms and planning communication campaigns and activism. Rich in pedagogical features, A Critical Introduction to Environmental Communication uses case study examples, reflective exercises and further reading recommendations to embed learning. Overall, it is an essential resource for students, as well as communication practitioners who are engaged with environmental governance.