An Invitation to Sociology of Climate Governance in Sub-Saharan Africa: Concealing the Intersections of Environmental Justice, Inequality, and the Nation State

Shingirai Stanely Mugambiwa

doi:10.47577/tssj.v24i1.4180

Abstract

This paper provides a synopsis of the critical debates in environmental sociology vis-à-vis climate governance and evokes the intersections of environmental justice, equality and the nation state. The nation state, which in this study refers to the government of the day is regarded as an important factor in determining the state of environmental justice and equality. This is because the government has the mandate to formulate and implement policies such as environmental policy. Issues of injustice and inequality are clearly spelt out in the discipline of sociology which provide insights on ways through which humans in societies respond to environmental crises. The paper places considerable emphasis on the political economy of environmental sociology which lies on the effects of modernity and capitalism in relation to socio-ecological well-being of communities. This is significantly linked to Karl Marx’s contribution on class struggles over the means of production which favours the bourgeoisie who are responsible for the greater ecological damage.

Highlights

Embracing climate governance from a sociological standpoint was born out of the field’s recognition of the fact that physical environments significantly influence human societies and behavior (Dunlap, 1979)
The argument in that regard is that the nation state forms the apex of equality and justice through its mandate to formulate necessary policy positions aimed at protecting the environment. This invitation to sociology of climate governance provided a synopsis of the critical debates in contemporary environmental sociology
The paper evoked the intersections of environmental justice, equality and the nation state

Summary

Introduction

Embracing climate governance from a sociological standpoint was born out of the field’s recognition of the fact that physical environments significantly influence human societies and behavior (Dunlap, 1979). The field includes management of natural resources with focus on aspects such as climate change adaptation and mitigation which significantly informs climate governance. Needs to take into consideration the fact that the impactsbased perspective informs the form of response required in addressing the impacts of climate change to pave way for policy articulation and formulation.

Results

Conclusion