Environmental issues appear deceptively simple: science tells us what the problems are and how to solve them, and, for Christians, the Bible motivates us to care for creation. And yet, both in society in general as well as in the Christian church inparticular, we cannot seem to agree on what to do regarding environmental issues. In The Nature of Environmental Stewardship, climate scientist Johnny Wei-Bing Lin argues that determining the content of environmental stewardship, far from being a straightforward exercise, is a difficult and complex endeavour. He sets forth a general taxonomy, drawing from worldviews, ethical theories, science epistemology, sciencepolicy studies, politics, and economics, that can help us better understand what excellent creation care consists of and how to bridge the differences people have regarding environmental issues.

Is stewardship a useful way of regarding our relationship with our environment - or is it a dangerous excuse for plunder? Is it possible for us to be effective stewards? This book gathers together expositions of stewardship with criticisms of the concept and adds other contributions written especially for this collection.

Constructing a framework to convey the layered meanings of stewardship will help to focus and guide future research. A cognitive mapping technique was used to elicit responses to the question "What is environmental stewardship?" Semistructured interviews were conducted with representatives of nine Seattle environmental organizations, a group of practitioners who collectively represent over 100 years of experience in the field. Program planners and managers have particularly direct experiences of stewardship. Cognitive mapping enables participants to explore, then display, their particular knowledge and perceptions about an idea or activity. Analysis generated thematic, structural representations of shared concepts. Results show that the practitioners have multilayered perceptions of stewardship, from environmental improvement to community building, and from actions to outcomes.

This book builds on recent advances in the theory of sustainable development and links it with environmental stewardship in a dialectical manner, as envisioned by global scholars in this emerging field. Environmental stewardship deals with practical issues of ecosystem management and governance to address changes in socio-ecological systems to sustain the supply and availability of ecosystem services by society. It means reducing our total footprint on the planet, not just carbon footprint. Truly global in scope, this volume is a humble offering of more than 12 scholars and practitioners from around the world to the exciting adventure of sustainable development and eco-stewardship. Featuring topics such as climate change, organizational sustainability, green innovation, and urban governance, this book is useful for policy makers, managers of NGOs, and sustainability researchers in developing engaging strategies for a more sustainable planet.

This book explores the history of church camps and retreat centers to show how environmental stewardship became the dominant paradigm for Protestant environmentalism, why that is a flawed and fractious model, and why it has stalled.

This comprehensive Dictionary brings together an extensive range of definitive terms in ecological economics. Assembling contributions from distinguished scholars, it provides an intellectual map to this evolving subject ranging from the practical to the philosophical.

Nature in Translation is an ethnographic exploration in the cultural politics of the translation of knowledge about nature. Shiho Satsuka follows the Japanese tour guides who lead hikes, nature walks, and sightseeing bus tours for Japanese tourists in Canada's Banff National Park and illustrates how they aspired to become local "nature interpreters" by learning the ecological knowledge authorized by the National Park. The guides assumed the universal appeal of Canada’s magnificent nature, but their struggle in translating nature reveals that our understanding of nature—including scientific knowledge—is always shaped by the specific socio-cultural concerns of the particular historical context. These include the changing meanings of work in a neoliberal economy, as well as culturally-specific dreams of finding freedom and self-actualization in Canada's vast nature. Drawing on nearly two years of fieldwork in Banff and a decade of conversations with the guides, Satsuka argues that knowing nature is an unending process of cultural translation, full of tensions, contradictions, and frictions. Ultimately, the translation of nature concerns what counts as human, what kind of society is envisioned, and who is included and excluded in the society as a legitimate subject.

This book challenges the notion that nature is a city’s opposite and addresses the often-overlooked concept of urban nature and how it relates to children’s experiences of environmental education. The idea of nature-deficit, as well as concerns that children in cities lack for experiences of nature, speaks to the anxieties that underpin urban living and a lack of natural experiences. The contributors to this volume provide insights into a more complex understanding of urban nature and of children’s experiences of urban nature. What is learned if nature is not somewhere else but right here, wherever we are? What does it mean for children’s environmental learning if nature is a relationship and not an entity? How can such a relational understanding of urban nature and childhood support more sustainable and more inclusive urban living? In raising challenging questions about childhoods and urban nature, this book will stimulate much needed discussion to provoke new imaginings for researchers in environmental education, childhood studies, and urban studies. This book was originally published as a special issue of Environmental Education Research.

"Embracing Nature: A Guide to Mindful Living, Gratitude, and Sustainable Connection" by Ranjot Singh Chahal is a transformative journey into the depths of our relationship with the natural world. As an author deeply rooted in the principles of mindfulness, Chahal invites readers to explore the profound impact that conscious awareness can have on our lives and the planet. The book begins with an exploration of awareness and mindfulness, guiding readers to deepen their understanding of the interconnectedness between humanity and the environment. Chahal emphasizes the importance of nurturing a sense of wonder, encouraging readers to rediscover the awe-inspiring beauty of the world around them. A significant focus of the book is on practicing gratitude, with Chahal offering 100 practical tips to cultivate thankfulness in everyday life. These tips are not only insightful but also actionable, providing readers with tangible ways to foster a grateful mindset and appreciate the wonders of nature. The author advocates for active engagement in conservation efforts, emphasizing the role individuals play in preserving the environment. From small, daily practices to larger initiatives, Chahal inspires readers to take meaningful steps towards sustainable living. Finding connection with nature is a key theme, and the book explores the healing and restorative powers of spending time outdoors. Chahal shares personal anecdotes and explores the scientific evidence supporting the benefits of nature on mental and physical well-being. With an eye toward the future, the book delves into teaching the next generation about the importance of environmental stewardship. Chahal offers practical advice for parents, educators, and community leaders on instilling a love for nature in young minds. "Cultivating a Sustainable Lifestyle" is a chapter dedicated to actionable steps for readers to reduce their ecological footprint. From adopting eco-friendly habits to making informed consumer choices, Chahal empowers readers to embrace a lifestyle that aligns with the principles of sustainability. The book also delves into the importance of reconnecting with indigenous wisdom, recognizing the wealth of knowledge that indigenous cultures possess about living in harmony with the Earth. Chahal encourages readers to learn from and respect these ancient teachings. The culmination of the book is a compilation of "100 Nature Love Tips" and "100 Tips to Practicing Gratitude." These tips serve as practical, day-to-day guidance for readers seeking to deepen their connection with nature, express gratitude, and lead a more mindful and sustainable life. Ranjot Singh Chahal's "Embracing Nature" is a heartfelt and informative guide that transcends traditional environmental literature. With a blend of personal insights, scientific research, and actionable tips, Chahal inspires readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, environmental consciousness, and gratitude that can positively impact both individuals and the planet.