History of the Australian Environment Movement

This book traces the development of the environment movement in Australia from the first visionaries who pressed for preservation of native fauna and for sanitation in cities to a mass social movement that challenges the most powerful interests in society. European settlers responded strongly, and often unwisely, to the unique flora, fauna and landscapes of Australia. The authors examine the social biases and traditions which contributed to the rise of an environmental ethic in the late nineteenth century. They then analyse the campaigns of the second wave, showing how the environment movement evolved as a social movement and became a sophisticated factor in the political process. The authors, professional historians and environmental activists, have written an original and highly readable book for social scientists and historians, as well as activists and general readers.

' … a must for all involved in the environment movement … [this] is a concise and thorough account of the way in which the broad issue of 'the environment' has become a well established and at times immensely successful tool of societal change.' Australian Environment Review, ' … makes an impressive contribution to the on-going need to conserve our environment for the longer term. I hope we get more books of this standard.' Conservation Bulletin, ' … an excellent textbook for many disciplines that inter-connect with environmentalism in both the natural and human sciences. It gives a critical and comprehensive overview of the emergence of environmentalism and as well as providing historical perspective on the subject, may well encourage more detailed case studies and analyses.' Historical Records of Australian Science