Review: The Quest for Environmental Sustainability

Reviewed Work(s): Foundations of Environmental Sustainability: The Coevolution of

Science and Policy by Larry L. Rockwood, Ronald E. Stewart and Thomas Dietz
Review by: Richard A. Niesenbaum
Source: Ecology, Vol. 90, No. 2 (Feb., 2009), pp. 576-578
Published by: Wiley on behalf of the Ecological Society of America
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/27651017
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 576 BOOK REVIEWS Ecology, Vol. 90, No. 2
The second part (Chapters 5-13) focuses on long-term (6-15 The approach is quite beneficial as it calibrates appropriate
year) gradient studies to assess soil and water chemistry changes,metrics that indicate imbalance at different trophic levels (e.g.,
macrophyte community response, algal response, and macroin algal, macrophyte, macroinvertebrate, community, and ecosys
vertebrate response along a nutrient and hydrological gradient in tem). More detailed discussion would have been helpful
two water conservation areas (WCA-2A and WCA-3A) in the regarding the adoption of the 10-ug/L phosphorus criterion
Everglades. Gradients discussed not only focus on phosphorus, by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State of
but other nutrients like nitrogen, sulfur, sodium, and calcium. Florida, highlighting the approach that they used and
The analysis is quite useful as some of the gradients analysis is comparing it with the approach used by the Duke University
divided into three restoration management periods: prior to Wetland Center. Part four also presents the modeling studies,
restoration, after best management practices implementation in for example, modeling the long-term P assimilative capacity in
the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), and after Storm the Everglades (Chapter 23) and the spatial distribution for
Treatment Areas (STA) establishment. The last sampling period accretion rates of phosphorus in Everglades soils (Chapter 24).
only covers two years (2002-2003), and may not be representative This book brings together nearly 16 years of research
of the impact of ST As on nutrient gradients. Chapter 6 would published in different journals over many years as well as new
have benefited from a more detailed discussion on the criteria
and revised information with data synthesis and lessons learned
adopted by Florida Department of Environmental Protection for for restoration. Although the book focuses mainly on experi
the handling and statistical analysis of water quality data and ments conducted by the Duke University Wetland Center and
highlight differences with how the Duke University Wetland collaborators, research conducted by other scientists is present
Center data were analyzed. Chapter 8 provides an interesting ed for comparison and synthesis. The authors draw lessons from
discussion on the effects of hydrological management decisions
other research and cite pertinent research in the same area. The
on Everglades tree islands survival and landscape patterns.
book is well organized and provides concise information with
Intriguing information is discussed in Chapter 12 on historical
each chapter containing a useful synthesis of key findings and
changes in water quality and vegetation in WCA-2A as
lessons for Everglades restoration. In addition, part five
determined by paleoecological analyses including diatom and
summarizes key findings, lessons learned, and the benefits of
pollen analysis. The authors attempt in Chapter 13 to establish
using an ecological approach for restoration of the Everglades
carbon budgets and flux for the unenriched and enriched areas of
fen and discusses steps for restoration with emphasis on
WCA-2A as well as the Everglades Agricultural Area.
hydrological and nutrient conditions needed to restore specific
The third part (Chapters 14-22) focuses on a 6 year dosing
plant communities. Potential problem areas or environmental
experiment with an introduction to the mesocosm approach for
consequences that need to be considered are highlighted for
establishing phosphorus gradient experiments. The in situ
specific Everglades restoration plans being implemented.
experiment determined the threshold level of phosphate addi
tions necessary for changes to occur in water chemistry, soils, and
The Everglades experiments: lessons for ecosystem restoration
ecosystem response. The macrophyte slough community re is a great resource to scientists and researchers at different
sponse, algal assemblages, and macroinvertebrate and fish universities, and state and federal agencies that are involved in
response to phosphorus dosing are documented. The third part Everglades restoration. It will be useful to students in the
also includes plant community response to fertilizer addition ecology and the environmental fields with the Everglades used
experiments, disturbance experiments with effects of disturbance, as a case example.
phosphorus, and water level on plant succession in the Everglades
and germination experiments of sawgrass and cattails. Samira Daroub
The data from the phosphorus mesocosm experiments and
gradient studies are used in part four (Chapter 25) to establish a University of Florida
phosphorus threshold for the Everglades ecosystem. An Everglades Research and Education Center and Soil and Water
ecological approach for the establishment of a phosphorus
Science Department
threshold for the Everglades ecosystem is described using
3200 E. Palm Beach Road
advanced statistical techniques for data analysis?CART
(Classification and Regression Tree Analysis), Bayesian predic Belle Glade Florida 33430
tive model, and nCPA (nonparametric change point analysis). E-mail: sdaroub@ufi.edu

Ecology, 90(2), 2009, pp. 576-577

? 2009 by the Ecological Society of America

The Quest for Environmental Sustainability

Rockwood, Larry L., Ronald E. Stewart, and Thomas Dietz, early pioneer of interdisciplinary study, Talbot is seen as an
agent of change that transformed conservation from a top
editors. 2008. Foundations of environmental sustainability: the
down control of limited resources to an approach refocused on
coevolution of science and policy. Oxford University Press, New
sustainability. He has been a central figure in the development
York, xix + 456 p. $89.00, ISBN: 978-0-19-530945-4.
and integration of environmental science and policy. As a
scientist he produced over 270 publications ranging in theme
from African wildlife biology to global climate change. He was
Key words: conservation; ecosystems; environmental histo chief scientist of international affairs for the Council of
ry; policy; sustainability. Environmental Quality which coordinates federal environmen
tal efforts and works closely with agencies and other White
Who is Lee M. Talbot? In many ways his life is like a House offices in the development of environmental initiatives as
caricature of the past 50 years of environmental history. An prescribed by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

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 February 2009 BOOK REVIEWS 577
He also served as the Director of the InternationalWithin
Union thefor
context of marine mammal protection, Michael
the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Weber(IUCN).
(Chapter 14) makes the case that changing the prevailing
Foundations of environmental sustainability comes from
ideology a
of abundance and exploitation to one that values
symposium in honor of Talbot's career. This book aesthetics,
offers an science, living creatures, and the entire marine
insightful view of the marriage of science and policy that was
ecosystem relied on: (1) credible science to support that change;
(2) grassroots
central not only to Talbot's life work, but that has also become support and political momentum; and (3)
the core ethos of environmental sustainability. political opportunity. Other authors add that significant policy
The book offers a detailed environmental historychanges
fromthat thecan lead to sustainable development will require
cultural
1950s to the present, illustrating how science and policy shifts that elevate environmental concern as one of the
evolved
together during this period. The list of contributing coreauthors
issues of governmental purpose (George M. Woodwell,
reads like a history text of famous contributors to environ
Chapter 24), and that scientists have an important communi
mental understanding. This first-hand glimpse into personal
cative role to play in achieving this shift.
struggles and collaborative work between scientists and policy
I found these consistent and specific ways that science and
makers provides a context and a foundation for sustainability
scientists can contribute to significant changes in environmental
work in specific systems and geographic locations. perspectives
This book, and policy particularly uplifting and I am confident
however, is anything but a celebration of success, thatand the will as well. However, in contrast to the role
my students
difficulties and challenges associated with sustainable apof the authors have played in moving policy and
that many
proaches to resource use and conservation are abundantly
management towards sustainability, how these actually played
clear. This book offers a historical framework of mixed results
out in the field offers much less optimism for a sustainable
that may guide ongoing and future work in conservation and
future. The book offers many examples where less than effective
sustainability.
enforcement was rooted in the misinterpretation of science, and
The book is organized into seven sections, each with three or
ambiguous policies were manipulated to serve interests other
four chapters focusing on specific management areas. After a
than long term sustainability. Additionally, much of the
brief history of the modern environmental movement since the
environmental legislation and treaty work resulted in soft laws
late 1950s in Part 1, subsequent sections focus on wildlife
that amount to not much more than suggestions or recommen
ecology, forest and range management, and marine conserva
dations. This book makes it clear that sustainability will require
tion. The final sections deal with national and international
more than signed treaties, protocols, policies, and even
environmental policy as it relates to development, including a
international law, but rather a real will and commitment from
very readable introduction to international environmental law
governments, communities, and individuals to do what is
(Nicholas A. Robinson, Chapter 21). Each chapter offers
necessary including sacrificing short term gains for the greater
detailed accounts of the interplay of science and policy
long-term good. By no fault of its own, this book is depauperate
frequently in the form of well-developed case studies. One of
the drawbacks of this structure and the contributoryinnature
examplesofof full-scale, ecosystem approaches to management
resulting in sustainability;
the book is that concepts are not introduced hierarchically as the case may be that there simply are
not that many.
the book proceeds. For example, sustainability, the core theme
of the book, is not formally defined and introduced Ecologists
untiland managers will find this important book
Chapter 11, and the problematic ambiguities commonly useful. A final chapter written by Daniel Botkin offers an
agenda Other
associated with this term are only superficially addressed. for the future of the science of ecology research
emphasizing
than the inherent structural issues, the book is quite readable applied research as an intellectual equivalent to
basic
and lacks only in quantity and quality of images and research. Most ecologists recognize that the bigger
figures.
problems
This book does not address more contemporary issuesinof
ecology, conservation, and management will
sustainability such as regenerative food production necessitate
or renew interdisciplinary collaboration, and that environ
able energy. mental sustainability may require scientists to make that
As the authors consider elements required for successful uncertain leap from scientist to advocate, or at least to have a
conservation projects which take a sustainable use and willingness to engage outside of academics with managers and
development approach rather than the more traditional "fence policy makers. Many courses taught by ecologists, new
and protect" tactic, a number of common themes emerge. First, undergraduate curricula in ecology and environmental studies,
scientists need to not only credibly define an issue, they then and many new innovative graduate programs are attempting to
need to work both with policy makers and managers to initiate, break the shackles of disciplinary thinking. Foundations of
implement, monitor, and assess specific projects. Certainly environmental sustainability models this type interdisciplinary
Talbot and many of the other authors in this book exemplify study both in terms of specific cases and by offering all of its
this. Other key elements of project success noted throughout the authors as role models, who like Lee Talbot, recognize that our
book include the recognition that humans are part of science can guide the decision-making process and implemen
ecosystems and must be accommodated, local community tation of programs that may help sustain ecosystems and their
involvement is necessary, and conservation must be linked to processes. These processes, as stated by Thomas Lovejoy
poverty alleviation. Many authors, studying a variety of (Chapter 25), are vital for the sustainability of our own
systems, argue that an ecosystem approach rather than a yield civilization.
or outputs-based approach is vital, and that the people who are
a part of a particular system are entitled to be directly Richard A. Niesenbaum
compensated for the many beneficial processes that system
provides other parts of the globe. Sustainability requires the
simultaneous pursuit of ecological, economic, and social Muhlenberg College
objectives. Department of Biology and Program in Sustainability Studies
Many of the chapters deal with how to effect change in AI lent own, Pennsylvania 18104
prevailing conservation practice and environmental policy. E-mail: niesenba@muhlenberg.edu

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 578 BOOKS AND MONOGRAPHS RECEIVED Ecology, Vol. 90, No. 2

Submit books and monographs for review to the Book Review Editor, Janet Lanza, Biology Department, University
of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 USA (telephone (501) 569-3500).
We welcome offers to review books for Ecology, but we cannot accept an offer to review a specific book. Anyone
who wishes to review books for Ecology should send a current curriculum vitae, a description of competencies, and
a statement of reviewing interests to the Book Review Editor. Authors of reviews must verify they they have no confilict
of interest that might interfere with their objectivity, and that they have not offered (and will not offer) a review of
the same book to another journal.

Recent Publications of Particular Interest

Daniel, Eddee. 2008. Urban wilderness: exploring a metropolitan watershed. The University of Chicago Press,
Chicago, Illinois, xiii + 226 p. $45.00 (cloth), ISBN: 978-1-930066-81-6; $27.50 (paper), ISBN: 978-1-930066-82-3.
The Menomonee River flows through Milwaukee and is the subject of this book. Lovely photographs and text detail
the environmental history of the river (from pollution to clean-up), and habitats and parks around the river, and
invite the reader to enjoy the area with the author.

J0rgensen, Sven Erik, editor. 2008. Encyclopedia of ecology. Volumes 1-5. Elsevier, Burlington, Massachusetts,
xxxiv + 4122 p. $1995.00, ISBN: 978-0-444-52033-3. This five-volume set contains over 3800 pages of text, tables,
drawings, and color photographs. The information is arranged alphabetically (e.g., Bayesian networks,
biomagnification, epifauna, fecundity, kin selection, polychlorinated biphenyls, tundra, and watershed management)
but also sorted by 17 subject areas (e.g., behavioral ecology, ecological engineering, ecosystems, and population
dynamics).

Books and Monographs Received Through September 2008

Bolker, Benjamin M. 2008. Ecological models and data in R.
Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey, vii + 396
p. $55.00, ISBN: 978-0-691-12522-0 (alk. paper).
Carson, Walter P., and Stefan A. Schnitzer, editors. 2008.
Tropical forest community ecology. Wiley and Sons, Hobo
ken, New Jersey, xvii + 517 p. $200.00 (cloth), ISBN: 978-1
4051-8952-1; $79.95 (paper), ISBN: 978-1-4051-1897-2.
Daniel, Eddee. 2008. Urban wilderness: exploring a metropolitan
watershed. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago,
Illinois, xiii + 226 p. $45.00 (cloth), ISBN: 978-1-930066-81
6; $27.50 (paper), ISBN: 978-1-930066-82-3.
Dudzinski, Kathleen M., and Toni Frohoff. 2008. Dolphin
mysteries: unlocking the secrets of communication. Yale
University Press, New Haven, Connecticut, xxiii + 224 p.
$30.00, ISBN: 978-0-300-12112-4 (alk. paper).
Ehrenfeld, John R. 2008. Sustainability by design: a subversive
strategy for transforming our consumer culture. Yale Univer
sity Press, New Haven, Connecticut, xxii + 246 p. $28.00,
ISBN: 978-0-300-13749-1 (alk. paper).
Gingrich, Newt, and Terry L. Maple. 2008. A contract with the
earth. Penguin Books, New York, xix + 226 p. $14.00, ISBN:
978-0-452-28992-5.
Higham, James, and Michael L?ck, editors. 2008. Marine
wildlife and tourism management: insights from the natural and
social sciences. CABI, Cambridge, Massachusetts, xxviii +
395 p. $130.00, ISBN: 978-1-84593-345-6 (alk. paper).
Huang, Qiaoyun, Pan Ming Huang, and Antonio Violante,
editors. 2008. Soil mineral-microbe-organic interactions:
theories and applications. Springer, New York, xvi + 353 p.
$189.00, ISBN: 978-3-540-77685-7 (acid-free paper).
James, Rosalind R., and Theresa L. Pitts-Singer, editors. 2008.
Bee pollination in agricultural ecosystems. Oxford University
Press, New York, xiv + 232 p. $74.00, ISBN: 978-0-19
531695-7 (acid-free paper).
J0rgensen, Sven Erik, editor. 2008. Encyclopedia of ecology.
Volumes 1-5. Elsevier, Burlington, Massachusetts, xxxiv +
4122 p. $1995.00, ISBN: 978-0-444-52033-3.
Lannoo, Michael. 2008. Malformed frogs: the collapse of aquatic
ecosystems. University of California Press, Berkeley, Cal
ifornia, xvi 4- 270 p. $65.00, ISBN: 978-0-520-25588-3 (alk.
paper).
Lauenroth, William K., and Ingrid C. Burke, editors. 2008.
Ecology of the shortgrass steppe: a long-term perspective.
Long-term Ecological Research Network Series. Oxford
University Press, New York, xiii + 522 p. $69.95, ISBN:
978-0-19-513582-4.
Layzer, Judith A. 2008. Natural experiments: ecosystem-based
management and the environment. American and Compara
tive Environmental Policy. The MIT Press, Cambridge,
Massachusetts, xiv + 365 p. $70.00 (cloth), ISBN: 978-0
262-12298-6 (alk. paper); $28.00 (paper), ISBN: 978-0-262
62214-1 (alk. paper).
Meinesz, Alexandre. 2008. How life began: evolution's three
gen?ses. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, Illinois,
viii + 282 p. $27.50, ISBN: 978-0-226-51931-9 (alk. paper).
Nadkarni, Nalini M. 2008. Between earth and sky: our intimate
connections to trees. University of California Press, Berkeley,

578

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