Beyond Sustainability

This book approaches environmentalism via two academic disciplines, sociology and philosophy. Both have concerns about the environment’s ability not only to sustain itself but to thrive. The authors argue that rather than simple sustainability, we must promote thrivability for the sake of protecting the environment and all living things.

In this greatly expanded second edition, the authors have updated data and examples, introduced new topics and concepts, and emphasized the need to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels. Numerous topics are explored, from the differences between sustainability and thrivability, and the overuse of plastic, to mass extinction, the role of natural disasters and more. The Covid-19 pandemic offers an added perspective on the relationship between disease and the environment.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Tim Delaney is a professor of sociology at the State University of New York at Oswego. He teaches environmental sociology classes and is a member of SUNY Oswego’s sustainability studies program. He lives in Auburn, New York.

Tim Madigan is a professor and department chair of philosophy at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York. A past president of the Northeast Popular Culture Association and a member of his college’s Center for Sustainability, he teaches courses on environmental ethics.

Tim Delaney and Tim Madigan
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 308
Bibliographic Info: bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2021
pISBN: 978-1-4766-8236-5
eISBN: 978-1-4766-4429-5
Imprint: McFarland

Preface 1
1. Environmental Thrivability, the Ecosystem and Mass Extinctions 5
2. Climate Change and Human Dependency on Fossil Fuels 28
3. Overpopulation and the Five Horrorists 69
4. Humans Will Be the Cause of the Sixth Mass Extinction 105
5. Nature and Human Skepticism Will Be the Cause of the Sixth Mass Extinction 139
6. Environmental Ethics and Thrivability 170
7. Helping the Environment Thrive 187
8. Happiness Is a Thriving Environment 220
9. We Can Change, but Will We Change? 247
10. Educating Thrivability 267
Bibliography 277
Index 298

Choice Outstanding Academic Title

“Very well written and employs an excellent balance of academic references and personal narratives from the authors. Given its insights and readability, this book will be difficult for readers to put down…highly recommended”—Choice