Resolving Environmental Conflicts: (Social Environmental Sustainability)

True progress toward an ecologically sound environment and a socially just culture will be initially expensive in money and effort. The longer we wait, however, the more disastrous the environmental condition will become, the more disputes will arise as a result of our declining quality of life, and the more expensive and difficult the necessary social changes will be. The second edition of a bestseller, Resolving Environmental Conflicts demonstrates how to practice the type of conflict resolution that not only settles a dispute but also heals the people. Once the consultants and mediators leave, the work must go on. This second edition covers the basic transformative concepts vital for resolving environmental conflicts. It includes discussions of the inviolate biophysical principles, how the English language is changing, as well as the critical principles of social behavior. It also examines new dynamics in making decisions along with the effects of the younger generations shifting their interests from nature-oriented interest to technologically oriented interests and their subsequent lack of understanding the importance of the natural environment to a sustainable society. No biological shortcuts, technological quick fixes, or political rhetoric can mend what is broken. Dramatic, fundamental change is necessary if we are really concerned with bettering the quality of life. It is not a question of can we change or can't we, but one of will we change or won't we. Change is a choice, a choice of individuals reflected in the collective of society and mirrored in the landscape throughout the generations. Considerably more than a "how to" directive, this book examines the "whys" of the mediation process and broadens the knowledge base by providing the philosophical underpinnings of "a new environmental responsibility."

Table of Contents:
Introduction Approaches to Mediation Mediation at the Crossroads A Brief Look at the Mediation Process We Practice It Conflict is a Choice What Is A "Right"? The Equality of Differences Environmental Justice Is Predicated On Human Equality Perceived Resource Scarcity Accentuates Environmental Conflict Resource Overexploitation: A Matter of Perceived Loss Conflict is a Mistake Conflict is Usually Based on the Misjudgment of Appearances Biophysical Principles of Sustainability The Waterbed Principle Understanding the Law of Cosmic Unification The Inviolate Biophysical Principles Social Principles of Sustainability The Paradox of Life Air: The Breath of Life-And Of Death Soil: The Great Placenta Water: A Captive of Gravity Biodiversity: The Variety of Life Sunlight: The Source of Global Energy Human Population: A Matter of Gender Equality How the Commons Usufruct Law Arose The Precursor of Today's Environmental Conflicts Social Principles of Engagement in a Sustainable Society The Human Equation A Child's Gift We Take Our Family With Us Dysfunctional Family Dynamics Lead To Ongoing Destructive Conflict Homeostasis Is Designed To Hide Dysfunction Boundaries, The Silent Language Coping Mechanisms: Unconscious Thoughts That Manifest As Regonizable Behaviors The Capacity For Rational Thought Everyone Is Right From Their Point of View Acceptance of Circumstances Offers the Choices of What Might Be Communication: The Interpersonal Element Language as a Tool The Use of Silence In Communication The Need to Be Heard The Basic Elements of Communication Changes in the Children's Oxford Dictionary Nature Deficit Disorder in Children Barriers to Communication Inability to Transfer Experiences from One Situation to Another The Process Is The Decision Faith in the Process is Belief in the Outcome The Primacy of Process Perception is Truth; Facts Are Relative Reframing the Issue Conflict Is a Learning Partnership A Mediator Is At All Times a Guest And A Leader Simultaneously The Fallacy of Rescuing A Mediator's Role in Participant Relationships Mediation Means Total Participation Detachment and Equanimity As A Mediator, You Must Be A Sieve, Not A Sponge As A Mediator, You Are The Keeper Of Each Participant's Dignity Have A Beginner's Mind Being Oneself The Continual Learning Curve Practicing the Mediation of Conscience Compromise and the Point of Balance A Curriculum of Compassion and Justice Mediation as a Gift is Free, But as a Trade Has a Cost Resolution: Social-Environmental Conflict Brought To A Shared Vision Who Are We As A Culture? What Legacy Do We Want To Leave Our Children? Vision, Goals, and Objectives Modifying Our Belief Systems Regarding Change

About the Author :
Chris Maser is an Author and Consultant in Corvallis, Oregon. Carol A. Pollio is a Consultant and Professor at American Public University, Amherst, Massachusetts.

Review :
From the "down and dirty" (who can shout the loudest?) to the cerebral (the Law of Cosmic Unification), Maser and Pollio's Resolving Environment Conflict has something for everyone involved in negotiating, mediating and resolving disputes. I have spent almost forty years in the conflict resolution arena and thought I knew it all until Chris and Carol forced me to look in the "coping mechanism" mirror only to see my own dispute resolution weaknesses staring back. A must read! --Mr. Michael J. Bartlett, President of New Hampshire Audubon and retired Field Supervisor, US Fish and Wildlife Service New England Field Office Seasoned veterans Chris Maser and Carol Pollio take us on a visit to our planet's 21st Century frontier--effective resolution of environmental conflicts. They make a clear case for our adaptive social evolution: Transform ourselves and live. Fail to transform ourselves and die. ! In well-written, unequivocal language, they map a way forward--a pattern of thought, ethic, word, relationship mending, and action--that can only help us save our planet and, thereby, ourselves ! If you want to save the planet, read this gracefully written book. Onward to the healing frontier! --James A. "Cap" Caplan, veteran of 30 years working with environmental conflict, senior administrator for the U.S. Forest Service, and author of The Theory and Principles of Environmental Dispute Resolution and The Practice of Environmental Dispute Resolution Praise for the First Edition: This book is very readable and also offers additional valuable references for facilitators as well as those immersed in environmental conflicts. --Environmental Network News, January/February 1996 Maser's experience has proven that the facilitation process works best at the local level. --FORUM For Applied Research and Public Policy