Debating the Earth brings together over 40 essential readings that illustrate the diversity of political responses to environmental issues. They are organized in a way that emphasizes the differences and debates across the various schools of thought on environmental affairs and there is a mixture of classic pieces and cutting-edge essays. The key debates that are covered include the severity of environmental problems, reformist responses to environmental issues, the environment and economics and green critiques.

The second edition includes a new section on 'The Global South and Indigenous Perspectives' which broadens the geographical scope. 25 extracts are new to this edition and there are more extracts by women.