Sustainability and the Virtues of Environmental Citizenship

This book develops an understanding of environmental virtues as an integral part of environmental citizenship. How can governments in a liberal society shape the choices and character development of free citizens? James Connelly argues that the shaping and promotion of environmental character and virtues can, and should be, done only indirectly. This leads to a consideration of the role of virtues within the life of citizens and of what constitutes an environmental citizen, together with an examination of the types of democratic participation and engagement available to citizens and their relation to the networks of civil society. The characterization of the virtues not only applies to individuals, but also to companies, organized groups and governments. Within the policy realm the question of environmental virtues and dispositions is becoming even more pertinent given the increased use of environmental policy instruments based on voluntary and economic incentives rather than more traditional command and control approaches. Sustainability and the Virtues of Environmental Citizenshipwill be of interest to scholars, activists, professionals and those working in the environmental theory and practice.

1. Approaching the Environment: Why Virtues?2. The Concept of Environmental Virtue3. Virtues and Character4. Promoting Environmental Virtue5. What Are the Environmental Virtues?6. Environmental Citizenship7. Individual Virtue and Collective Vice?8. Applying the Virtues