An ‘Endangered Planet’?

Abstract

Many of the post-1960s images representing the state of the Earth’s environment cast a global pall. They politicize and popularize repeated scientific warnings that the life-sustaining processes of the planet are imperilled. As a consequence, images of environmental insecurity are often projected in the International Relations (IR) discipline. But more reassuring images of ‘sustainable development’ achieved through global governance, have become increasingly prevalent. Institutions, non-state actors, and social movements are recognized and analysed as key actors for sustainable development. These images contrast again with the ecocentric but marginal images projected by ecofeminists and ‘deep’ ecologists.