对可持续发展的福利国家in Europe

Social Policy and Climate Change

Edited by Mi Ah Schoyen, Bjørn Hvinden, Norwegian Social Research (NOVA), Oslo Metropolitan University and Merethe Dotterud Leiren, CICERO – Center for International Climate Research, Norway

This is an open access title available under the terms of a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 License. It is free to read, download and share on Elgaronline.com.

This seminal book addresses the critical and urgent question of ‘what makes welfare states sustainable?’ in the era of climate change. Expert authors challenge traditional perspectives on questions of sustainability which have focused on population ageing, global economic turbulence and on containing current and future public social spending.

‘When people talk about “social welfare” they are usually referring to public subsidies that are meant to reduce poverty and inequality in society. When people talk about “sustainability” they are usually talking about ecological programs that are meant to address issues like climate change and environmental degradation. Towards Sustainable Welfare States in Europe brings these two very basic issues together in a unique and remarkable way. This important book convincingly argues that environmental sustainability and social justice are intimately intertwined and if we are to have a sustainable future, these complex issues need to be addressed simultaneously. It also shows how different European states have attempted to address the inherent tensions found at the junctures between these fundamental issues.’
– Sven H. Steinmo, University of Colorado, US

‘Climate change poses complex policy dilemmas for mature welfare states. This book provides a lucid discussion of the issues at stake and an insightful analysis of how they are being tackled by four European countries and the EU. A must read for understanding the multidimensional nature of what has become the greatest challenge for our future well-being and the planet's survival.’
– Maurizio Ferrera, University of Milan, Italy

‘This edited book should be applauded for insisting that environmental issues are racing up the agenda and must gain pride of place in future thinking. In particular, global heating and the climate crisis pose an existential threat to contemporary economic, social and political systems – including welfare states in the global North. It is remarkable that this book is one of very few within the field of social policy to recognise this fact.’
– From the Foreword by Ian Gough