This three-volume encyclopedia explores the concept of sustainability in the contexts of the environment, economics, and justice.

This expansive encyclopedia breaks new ground, giving definition and focus to an urgent and much-talked-about topic that is extraordinarily wide ranging and all too often misunderstood. As the first major reference work in its field, the three comprehensive volumes span the entire scope of sustainability from ecological concepts to financial concerns to public policy and community action, giving readers a solid foundation from which to think critically about efforts to make a more sustainable world.



The Encyclopedia of Sustainability comprises three volumes, each dedicated to one of three equally important contexts in which the term is used: environment and ecology, business and economics, and equity and fairness. Each volume provides authoritative but accessible coverage of basic concepts and terms, as well as policy initiatives, controversies, and future trends. Volumes also include biographical sketches of important contributors to sustainability efforts from the scientific, economic, public policy, and activist realms, plus extensive listings of print and online resources for further exploration.









Includes biological sketches of important leaders including Mohammad Yunnus, Wangari Maathai, and Karl Henrik Robert



Offers over 50 illustrations and drawings and a variety of helpful maps



Appendices of original documents not easily located otherwise



A guide to related topics opens each volume, allowing quick reference to entries by theme



A "Definitions and Contexts" section unique to each volume provides readers with a crash course in the often complex language of sustainability