Perspectives on Ecological Integrity

Concepts of ecological integrity have recently been proposed to facilitate enhanced protection of biological and ecological resources against the threat of human activities. The promotion of ecological integrity as a basis for public policy and decision making stems from scientists and others concerned about the threats of human activities to ecosystems and species, and from philosophers attempting to derive a more suitable ethic to guide the relationships between humans and the non-human environment. Although ecological integrity has been proposed as a norm for public policy and decision making, the concept is relatively new and therefore the underlying scientific and philosophical rationales have not been fully developed. This book offers a number of perspectives to stimulate and inform future discussion on the importance and consequences of ecological integrity for science, morality and public policy. Audience: Environmental professionals, whether academic, governmental or industrial, or working in the private consultancy sector. Also suitable as an upper-level reference text.

Inhalt

1. Introduction; J. Lemons, L. Westra. Conceptual dimensions of integrity. 2. Ecosystem integrity and sustainability: the foundational value of the wild; L. Westra. 3. Ecological integrity: reclaiming lost connections; J.R. Karr, E.W. Chu. 4. Embracing complexity: the challenge of the ecosystem approach; J.J. Kay, E. Schneider. 5. Ecological integrity and sustainability: buzzwords in conflict? R.F. Noss. 6. Ecosystem integrity: a causal necessity; R.E. Ulanowicz. 7. Ecosystem integrity in a context of ecostudies as related to the Great Lakes region; H.A. Regier. 8. Universal environmental sustainability and the principle of integrity; R. Goodland, H. Daly. Integrity: science, ethics, and policy. 9. Hard ecology, soft ecology, and ecosystem integrity; K. Shrader-Frechette. 10. Science for the post normal age; S.O. Funtowicz, J.R. Ravetz. 11. The value of integrity; M. Sagoff. Case studies and practical consequences of applying integrity. 12. Ecological integrity and national parks; J. Lemons. 13. The importance of landscape in ecosystem integrity: the example of Everglades restoration efforts; D.M. Flemming, et al. 14. Integrity, sustainability, biodiversity and forestry; P. Miller. 15. The global population, food, and the environment; D. Pimentel. 16. Sustainable development and economic growth; J.E. Reichart, P.H. Werhane. 17. Ethical obligations of multinational corporations to the global environment: the McDonald's Corporation and conservation; J.D. Nations, et al. Index.