Medani P. Bhandari – författare

Examining how artificial intelligence (AI) can contribute to building a fairer, more resilient, and sustainable world, this book explores the connections between technology, ethics, and sustainability, demonstrating how AI can become a powerful tool for addressing global challenges and enhancing lives.Explaining how AI works, why it matters for sustainable development, and what drives its growing influence on our future, the book presents real-world examples from areas such as clean energy, agriculture, climate action, healthcare, and education, while discussing the ethical and social issues that arise from rapid technological change. Readers will discover how AI, when used responsibly, can guide humanity toward a more balanced and inclusive future.Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development will be of value to students, researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in exploring how technology can be leveraged to promote sustainability and equity globally.

Environmental Challenges and Political Stability in the Middle East explores how environmental degradation, climate change, and resource scarcity intersect with political instability and social unrest across one of the world’s most vulnerable regions.In this timely and insightful work, this book examines how the mounting pressures of climate change—ranging from water scarcity and desertification to rising temperatures and migration—serve as catalysts for conflict and governance challenges in the Middle East. Drawing on extensive research, case studies, and firsthand experience, the book reveals how environmental stress acts as a threat multiplier: amplifying inequalities, undermining economic resilience, and destabilizing fragile states such as Syria, Yemen, and Jordan. Moving beyond diagnosis, the book offers pathways toward resilience through sustainable resource management, regional cooperation, and inclusive governance. It emphasizes that addressing environmental challenges is not merely a technical task but a political and moral imperative—central to peacebuilding and sustainable development in the twenty-first century.Bridging environmental science, political analysis, and development studies, this comprehensive book offers a thorough and accessible perspective on the climate–conflict nexus. It will appeal to academics, policymakers, practitioners, and globally engaged readers interested in environmental governance, international relations, peace studies, and the future of the Middle East.

This book presents a comprehensive collection of transformative theories that delve into the practicalities of personal growth, societal change, and global improvement. It is both a guide and a philosophical roadmap, offering readers insight into the core concepts that shape human development and societal evolution. It illuminates how these f rameworks can be applied in everyday life by covering a wide range of contemporary knowledge bases and transformative theories, encouraging readers to adopt an approach rooted in equity, ethics, and giving back. It aims to foster a world where no one is left behind and to nurture a more humane, compassionate, and peaceful society.The book draws on the insights of foundational theories—of the 20th and 21st centuries, each selected to address different aspects of human development and societal dynamics. By presenting this curated collection, the book highlights how these frameworks provide actionable tools to manage and adapt to the complexities of the modern world. Each theory is unpacked to show how it can foster resilience, adaptability, and compassionate engagement, essential qualities in a time marked by global crises and rapid change. Readers are guided to see how these theories support individual growth and have broader applications for creating equitable and inclusive communities.This book bridges theory and practice, presenting real-world applications that extend beyond academic discourse. It provides an in-depth look at how transformative theories can inform daily actions, decisions, and interactions, fostering equitable, ethical, and inclusive environments. Whether applied to personal goals, organizational strategies, or social initiatives, these theories underscore the importance of practical wisdom and mindfulness. The book invites readers to consider the “why,” “what,” and “how” of utilizing these theories in everyday life, positioning knowledge as a powerful catalyst for personal fulfillment and positive social impact.Technical topics discussed in the book include:‡ Theoretical Foundations of Transformation‡ Holistic Approaches to Life Transformation‡ Interdisciplinary Models‡ Knowledge and Epistemology of Transformation‡ Human and Environmental Interaction‡ Empowerment and Agency‡ Ethical and Social Dimensions‡ A New Model for Action‡ Applications for Personal and Collective Growth‡ Global ImplicationsThese topics serve as a foundation for connecting philosophical reflections to practical applications, shaping how individuals and societies can live with greater intention and impact.

This is an in-depth exploration of Nepal’s environmental journey, tracing its transformation from ancient practices to modern sustainability challenges. Drawing from over four decades of experience as an environmentalist and humanitarian, Dr. Medani Bhandari takes readers through the historical, social, and ecological shifts that have shaped Nepal’s environmental landscape. This comprehensive work examines the complex interplay between traditional knowledge, policy development, and global environmental trends, offering valuable insights into the country’s past, present, and future.This is a critical resource for understanding the environmental challenges faced by Nepal, a country rich in natural resources but confronted with the pressing issues of deforestation, water scarcity, and climate change. By analyzing these challenges through the lens of history, politics, and social change, this book offers a holistic understanding of the forces at play and presents actionable solutions for moving forward.This work bridges the gap between academic research and practical, on-the-ground experience. It incorporates diverse perspectives, combining ecological science with policy analysis, and highlights the interconnectedness of environmentalism with social justice, cultural identity, and global sustainability. The book provides policymakers, researchers, NGOs, and environmental advocates with a framework for fostering sustainable practices that are both contextually relevant and globally applicable.Readers will see a detailed examination of Nepal’s environmental transformation, a roadmap for accelerating sustainable practices, and a call to action for local and global stakeholders. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand Nepal’s environmental evolution and the broader implications for sustainable development in the global context.Technical topics discussed in the book include:• Historical evolution of environmentalism in Nepal• Impact of traditional ecological knowledge on conservation practices• Deforestation and forest management strategies• Water scarcity and management challenges• Climate change impacts and adaptation in Nepal• Biodiversity conservation and protected area management• Sustainable agricultural practices and agroforestry• Environmental policy and legislation in Nepal• The role of NGOs and community-based conservation• The intersection of environmentalism, social justice, and equity

This pioneering work provides a comprehensive exploration of the world's most pressing water issues. It offers a global overview of the water crisis, meticulously categorizing regions based on their water availability: from areas facing extreme water scarcity to those enjoying relative abundance. By examining diverse case studies, it presents specific examples from regions struggling with severe droughts, high to moderate water stress, moderate water security, and those blessed with ample freshwater resources.The book delves into the underlying causes of the global water crisis, including climate change, population growth, pollution, and unsustainable water management practices. It highlights the disparities between regions, emphasizing how some communities face life-threatening shortages while others have access to surplus water. By comparing these different scenarios, the book sheds light on the complex socio-economic, environmental, and political factors contributing to water inequality.At its core, this book carries a message of urgency and hope. It challenges readers to rethink water as a shared resource and inspires global cooperation to address water scarcity. The book advocates for innovative solutions such as sustainable water management, advanced technologies for water conservation, and policies that promote equitable access to clean water.""Analysis of the Global Water Crisis"" is an essential read for policymakers, researchers, environmentalists, and anyone concerned about the future of our planet. It offers noble ideas for a sustainable future where water is managed wisely, ensuring the survival and prosperity of all living beings. The message is clear: water is not just a resource, but a fundamental right, and it is our collective responsibility to protect it for future generations.Technical topics discussed in the book include: Water availability and distributionClimate change and water resourcesWater stress and scarcity indicatorsGroundwater depletionWater pollution and contaminationIntegrated water resources management (IWRM)Desalination and water reuse technologiesWater–energy nexusTransboundary water conflicts and cooperationPolicies and governance for water security

Homelessness is an urgent, multifaceted global crisis that affects millions and transcends geographic, economic, and cultural boundaries. This book is a comprehensive examination of this pressing issue, offering insights into its root causes, complex dynamics, and far-reaching consequences. This groundbreaking book explores why homelessness persists in societies today, delving into structural inequities, systemic barriers, and the interplay between economic instability, social exclusion, and individual vulnerabilities. It highlights real-life scenarios, shedding light on the lived experiences of homeless individuals, from urban streets to rural margins. With a forward-thinking approach, the book introduces practical solutions and transformative strategies. It examines the roles of governments, non-profits, businesses, and communities in fostering resilience, equity, and inclusion. It offers a roadmap for creating sustainable change, from innovative housing policies and wraparound services to technological interventions and community-led initiatives, inspiring hope for a better future. Readers will better understand homelessness as not just a lack of shelter but a symptom of broader societal challenges. The take-home message is clear: addressing homelessness requires a collective commitment to empathy, shared responsibility, and systemic reform, emphasizing the need for unity and collaboration in this endeavor. Whether you are a policymaker, researcher, advocate, or concerned citizen, this book empowers you with the knowledge and tools to confront homelessness effectively. It also provides actionable steps that you can take to contribute to the solutions proposed. Through its actionable insights and inspiring case studies, The State of Homelessness provides hope for a world where everyone can live with dignity, stability, and security.

This is a groundbreaking exploration of humanity's multifaceted crises in the Anthropocene era. This book offers an in-depth examination of human-induced challenges—ranging from climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation to social inequality, political instability, and ethical dilemmas posed by technological advancements. It brings diverse perspectives, integrating insights from environmental science, sociology, philosophy, and global governance, to provide a holistic understanding of these interconnected issues. What makes this book unique is its interdisciplinary approach and its focus on actionable solutions. It bridges the knowledge gap by connecting theoretical frameworks with practical applications, offering innovative pathways to address these challenges. The book emphasizes the importance of systemic thinking, collaborative governance, and ethical leadership while highlighting the role of individuals, communities, and global institutions in fostering resilience and sustainability. The book is intended for a broad audience, including academics, policymakers, activists, and anyone concerned about the future of humanity and the planet. Synthesizing cutting-edge research with real-world case studies provides readers with the tools to understand the complexity of the crises we face and inspires them to become agents of change.Humanity in Crisis is a beacon of hope and a call to action in a world increasingly defined by uncertainty and polarization. It diagnoses the root causes of our challenges and envisions a transformative path forward rooted in equity, ethics, and collective responsibility. This book is vital for building a more just, sustainable, and harmonious future for all.

The interplay between land use and climate change is a crucial aspect of sustainable development, especially in Nepal. This book delves into the intricate connections between land-use and climate change in Nepal, shedding light on significant challenges and potential opportunities. Nepal, with its diverse topography and ecosystems, is exceptionally susceptible to the impacts of climate change. The distinctive land-use patterns, encompassing agriculture, forest cover, and urbanization, significantly influence the country's climate resilience and carbon balance. However, rapid population growth, urban expansion, and changing land-use practices have led to environmental degradation and a surge in greenhouse gas emissions. The alarming deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and unsustainable logging, has contributed to carbon emissions and the depletion of vital ecosystem services. Consequently, the conversion of forested land into agricultural fields has negatively affected biodiversity, soil erosion, and water resources, intensifying the vulnerability of communities to climate change. Nevertheless, embracing sustainable land-use practices like afforestation, reforestation, and agroforestry holds promise for mitigating the impacts of climate change and enhancing resilience. The promotion of climate-smart agriculture, watershed management, and community-based forestry can aid in conserving ecosystems, sequestering carbon, and improving livelihoods. This study illustrates the intricate relationship between land-use and climate change, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance in land-use practices, conserving forests, and biodiversity, and promoting sustainable agriculture. These efforts are indispensable for achieving climate resilience and sustainable development in Nepal. By addressing the nexus between land-use and climate change, Nepal can pave the way towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. The purpose of this book is to present the core concepts of this issue, inspire further research, and propose solutions to mitigate the problems caused by human disturbances in the Earth's ecosystem.

This book discusses the factors behind the inequalities embedded within our social, economic and political systems. Social inequalities are especially seen in the service sectors – in the differences of access to healthcare, education, social protection, housing systems, childcare, elderly care etc. Cultural inequality, which segregates people from the mainstream based on recognition problems with a specific groups’ social status, language, religion, customs and norms, is another widespread issue. This book tries to present an accurate picture of these issues with cases studies from various countries. Mostly, when we talk about inequality, the focus is on economic inequality; however, much inequality persists, especially discrimination due to gender, age, origin, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, class, and religion. To end this situation there is a need for social, economic, and political reform. Until or unless the marginalized groups are empowered, the inequality issue cannot be solved or even minimized. On the basis of various case studies, this book encourages us to rethink societal development through the lens of growing inequalities and disparities. The book presents new insights for evaluating the progress on social development. The book highlights the current challenges of social inequality. In combination this collection of edited papers gives an integrated understanding of the question of “why is society unequal”? This book is aimed at those stakeholders, who want to make or contribute to change and build an undivided, socially inclusive society, and to those who want to contribute to empowering society in the Twenty-First century.

This edited book presents some unexplored issues of economic inequality, including case studies of various countries. Inequality is a chronic and divisive factor of society. Inequality exists as an integral attribute of human development. Communities, nations, and systems are not evolving at the same speed and rate and thus require different resources in different amounts. However, the distribution of winnings is also uneven due to the multidimensionality of influencing factors.When we talk about inequality, it is not just inequality of income or wealth; it is first, inequality in access to priorities and human needs – to shelter, to clean water, air, health care, and also to appropriate vaccination systems and assistance, security systems and safety guarantees for the future. Past financial crises and the current pandemic shock has revealed bugs in the system, shaking it and changing our perception of the norms.We may have no doubts that inequality is an unsolved problem, but now we need to find out - is it unbeatable? There is still lack of knowledge around how inequality has been grounded throughout human civilization, why society is stratified and classified, economically, politically, socially, and religiously; and why the discrimination due to gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, language differences, immigration status, caste, race and ethnicity? This book addresses these issues in a holistic way as well as including case studies of various countries. It tries to find out why inequality has been unbeatable and what would be the best policies to overcome this challenge.

The book “Economic Inequality – Trends, Traps and Trade-offs” presents the unexplored issues of economic inequality, including case studies of various countries. Inequality is a chronic divisive factor of society. It is well known that inequalities (such as economic, social, cultural, religious, geographical, etc.) have been omnipresent in human society. Inequalities can be found within each family, each community, and each nation and thus globally. Inequality is a major cause of political, economic, social instability, and creates crisis and conflict within society. A major cause of inequality is unequal, uneven, biased, power centric distributions of human economic, social, political, cultural and spiritual human necessities.The edited book examines the major parameters of the socio-economic issues of inequality and focuses on the key economic issues of inequality, namely, income and wealth distribution, equity & equality of outcome, and equality of opportunities. Economic inequality is measured by wealth, income dsiproportions in distribution and consumption patterns in a specific area. Mostly, inequality is measured using various statistical tools including the Gini Coefficient, inequality adjusted human development index, 20:20 ratio, Palma ratio, Hoover index, Galt score, Coefficient of variation, Theil index, wage share etc. However, not all income can be measured by these tools. By using case studies, this book encourages us to reframe economic development through the lens of growing inequalities and disparities. Economic growth per se is disproportional, and the efforts of scholars, practitioners and policymakers should be directed to empower the marginalized of society in a way that ‘no one should left behind’ (UN Slogan).

This second edition of the book, “Green Web-II: Standards and Perspectives from the IUCN Program / Policy Development in Environment Conservation Domain- with reference to India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh” investigates the IUCN’s role in global biodiversity conservation policy as well as in national program development in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. It explores how nature protection priorities and approaches are promoted or addressed by IUCN, and how environment conservation policies are created and maintained in states of South Asia with different capacities. It also evaluates IUCN's competency in biodiversity, climate change, nature conservation and environmental policy formulation at the global, regional and country levels.This book adds to our knowledge firstly by contributing to a small but growing body of work on the sociology of international organizations. International Governmental Organizations (IGOs), have previously been mainly the subject of political science. Secondly, it critically explores one of the largest and most active nature conservation organizations in the world. Thirdly, it also explores how IUCN actually goes about building protectoral programs with individual member nations. Finally, the research also shows the historical development of global institutions and IUCN’s activities with member nations in helping to define or redefine the concept of global governance. The outcomes of this research will also be beneficial for global collaboration, networking, and for the identification of common concerns among the many environmental and conservational organizations at the international and national level. In this broader sense, the research outcomes might be beneficial to constituencies of the global North as well as global South because of the nature and coverage of IUCN and its role in conservation policy formation. This effort may serve as a model for additional research on international organizations.Technical topics discussed in the book include:¿ The Motivation for Environmental Conservation- How personal efforts make a difference¿ The Role of International Environment Conservation Organizations¿ The Political Economy of Organizations, Network theory, Institutional theory, Stakeholder theory, Governance theory¿ Governance performance and Competitiveness ¿ Popularity indices¿ Knowledge creation and diffusion¿ Conservation commons

Getting the Climate Science Facts Right - discusses climate change science with reference to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Addressing climate change is the most important public priority of the 21st Century. Unlike many issues, however, this issue is being driven by both science and its interface with politics. The main institution for bridging this division between science and international politics is the IPCC. As such it is the main source of the facts from which climate change policy is developed. This book describes the ways in which the IPCC arrives at these facts and so can be sure they are complete and evidence based.Seldom in history has science had such a direct relationship with politics. The negotiation of an international policy regime requires, at its outset, an agreement on the facts. In this case, the facts are scientific, complex and contentious. Governments have recognized this and have, by using the IPCC, set up institutional machinery to provide facts from a source and in a manner that they can accept.The way in which the IPCC functions is unique in that it melds the way in which science achieves consensus with the way governments do at the international level. Starting with a process to examine, review and debate scientific findings leading to a consensus about scientific fact, usually expressed as probabilities that the findings will hold over time, the IPCC then concludes by using the kind of consensus-development mechanism that the United Nations typically uses to achieve agreements leading to the formation of policy regimes.The book examines the structure of the IPCC, its composition and its procedures in order to achieve an understanding of its role and future.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of global goals that meet some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today. Goal 10 concerns reducing global inequalities. Inequality is currently seen in the social, political, and economic structures of communities at both the national and international level. The United Nation’s approach to sustainable development is to create a set of goals and targets try to minimize the accelerating gaps of inequality. The book presents new insights for evaluating the progress on SDGs (especially goal 10), it also boldly sets new economic, social and environmental targets for reducing inequality. Using case studies, this book encourages readers to view economic development through the lens of growing inequalities and disparities. Such inequalities are clearly becoming more obvious as the world is better connected, and information is quickly shared. The books main aim is therefore to direct the efforts of scholars, practitioners and policymakers to swiftly find the balance between the three pillars of sustainable development. The main challenges and focus of each chapter are different and collectively they give an integrated understanding of the phenomenon of sustainable development and its diverse aspects. This book will be useful for policymakers, social and environmental activists, agencies, educators and practitioners in the sphere of social or environmental economics. The methodology of the research can be replicated and taken forward by future researchers in the field.

This is a comprehensive exploration of the diverse challenges and solutions related to environmentalism and sustainability. It bridges the gaps between theory and practice, offering practical insights for academics, policymakers, and change agents. It also inspires informed action and collaborative efforts for creating a sustainable future, offering new knowledge to those who care deeply about the planet and humanity’s future.The book begins with the evolution of environmentalism; tracing how ecological awareness has shaped global movements and policies. It also delves into theories of sustainability, demonstrating their relevance in addressing contemporary environmental crises. Central to the discussion is the concept of resource inequality, revealing how disproportionate resource access hinders global development and sustainability. It also explores the sustainable development goals (SDGs), presenting them as vital frameworks for policy and action, alongside climate change mitigation strategies like renewable energy, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation. In the context of social equity and environmental justice, it addresses global disparities, underscoring the need for inclusive and fair solutions.Technological innovation is presented as a key driver for transforming economies into more sustainable models, including the circular economy and green finance. Furthermore, the book highlights behavioral change, mental health, and well-being as integral to advancing environmentalism.Corporate responsibility and global cooperation are examined for their roles in driving collective action, and the book emphasizes the importance of these stakeholders in addressing the environmental crisis. It also introduces the epistemology of the development economy, providing a fresh lens on sustainability that can inform both academic inquiry and practical applications.

In dealing with the IUCN, one must bear in mind that there never has been, and undoubtedly never will be, any other organization even remotely resembling it. Its peculiarities, subtleties and complexities are sometimes mind-boggling (Nicholson 1990 in Holdgate 1999: ix).Green Web-II investigates IUCN’s role in global biodiversity conservation policy as well as in national program development in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. It explores how nature protection priorities and approaches are promoted or addressed by IUCN, an international organization, and how environment conservation policies are created and maintained in states with different capacities of South Asia. It also evaluates IUCN's competency in bio-diversity, climate change, nature conservation and environmental policy formulation at global, regional and country level. This study is the first detailed scholarly study on the IUCN as an organization as well as on its efforts in biodiversity conservation. This book adds to our knowledge, firstly by contributing to a small but growing body of work on the sociology of international organizations. IOs, especially International Governmental Organizations (IGOs), have long been the subject of mostly political science. Secondly, it applies a fuller sociological imagination to the study of IOs by critically exploring one of the largest and most active nature conservation organizations in the world. Thirdly, it also explores how the IUCN actually goes about building protectoral programs with individual member nations.Additionally, the book explores the recent development of the green economy (GE) concepts into IUCN’s program planning today. The green economy initiative applies a people-first approach. Although the concept is relatively new, this research explores the theoretical development of a green economy and illustrates how this theory is applied in IUCN’s program planning to program implementation. Technical topics discussed in the book include: Motivation of Environment Conservation - How personal efforts make differenceRole of International Environment Conservation OrganizationsPolitical Economy of Organizations, Network theory, Institutional theory, Stakeholder theory, Governance theory Governance performances and CompetitivenessPopularity indicesKnowledge creation and diffusionConservation commons

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of global goals that meet some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today. Goal 10 concerns reducing global inequalities. Inequality is currently seen in the social, political, and economic structures of communities at both the national and international level. The United Nation’s approach to sustainable development is to create a set of goals and targets try to minimize the accelerating gaps of inequality. The book presents new insights for evaluating the progress on SDGs (especially goal 10), it also boldly sets new economic, social and environmental targets for reducing inequality. Using case studies, this book encourages readers to view economic development through the lens of growing inequalities and disparities. Such inequalities are clearly becoming more obvious as the world is better connected, and information is quickly shared. The books main aim is therefore to direct the efforts of scholars, practitioners and policymakers to swiftly find the balance between the three pillars of sustainable development. The main challenges and focus of each chapter are different and collectively they give an integrated understanding of the phenomenon of sustainable development and its diverse aspects. This book will be useful for policymakers, social and environmental activists, agencies, educators and practitioners in the sphere of social or environmental economics. The methodology of the research can be replicated and taken forward by future researchers in the field.

Getting the Climate Science Facts Right - discusses climate change science with reference to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Addressing climate change is the most important public priority of the 21st Century. Unlike many issues, however, this issue is being driven by both science and its interface with politics. The main institution for bridging this division between science and international politics is the IPCC. As such it is the main source of the facts from which climate change policy is developed. This book describes the ways in which the IPCC arrives at these facts and so can be sure they are complete and evidence based.Seldom in history has science had such a direct relationship with politics. The negotiation of an international policy regime requires, at its outset, an agreement on the facts. In this case, the facts are scientific, complex and contentious. Governments have recognized this and have, by using the IPCC, set up institutional machinery to provide facts from a source and in a manner that they can accept.The way in which the IPCC functions is unique in that it melds the way in which science achieves consensus with the way governments do at the international level. Starting with a process to examine, review and debate scientific findings leading to a consensus about scientific fact, usually expressed as probabilities that the findings will hold over time, the IPCC then concludes by using the kind of consensus-development mechanism that the United Nations typically uses to achieve agreements leading to the formation of policy regimes.The book examines the structure of the IPCC, its composition and its procedures in order to achieve an understanding of its role and future.

This second edition of the book, “Green Web-II: Standards and Perspectives from the IUCN Program / Policy Development in Environment Conservation Domain- with reference to India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh” investigates the IUCN’s role in global biodiversity conservation policy as well as in national program development in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. It explores how nature protection priorities and approaches are promoted or addressed by IUCN, and how environment conservation policies are created and maintained in states of South Asia with different capacities. It also evaluates IUCN's competency in biodiversity, climate change, nature conservation and environmental policy formulation at the global, regional and country levels.This book adds to our knowledge firstly by contributing to a small but growing body of work on the sociology of international organizations. International Governmental Organizations (IGOs), have previously been mainly the subject of political science. Secondly, it critically explores one of the largest and most active nature conservation organizations in the world. Thirdly, it also explores how IUCN actually goes about building protectoral programs with individual member nations. Finally, the research also shows the historical development of global institutions and IUCN’s activities with member nations in helping to define or redefine the concept of global governance. The outcomes of this research will also be beneficial for global collaboration, networking, and for the identification of common concerns among the many environmental and conservational organizations at the international and national level. In this broader sense, the research outcomes might be beneficial to constituencies of the global North as well as global South because of the nature and coverage of IUCN and its role in conservation policy formation. This effort may serve as a model for additional research on international organizations.Technical topics discussed in the book include: The Motivation for Environmental Conservation- How personal efforts make a difference The Role of International Environment Conservation Organizations The Political Economy of Organizations, Network theory, Institutional theory, Stakeholder theory, Governance theory Governance performance and Competitiveness Popularity indices Knowledge creation and diffusion Conservation commons

The book “Economic Inequality – Trends, Traps and Trade-offs” presents the unexplored issues of economic inequality, including case studies of various countries. Inequality is a chronic divisive factor of society. It is well known that inequalities (such as economic, social, cultural, religious, geographical, etc.) have been omnipresent in human society. Inequalities can be found within each family, each community, and each nation and thus globally. Inequality is a major cause of political, economic, social instability, and creates crisis and conflict within society. A major cause of inequality is unequal, uneven, biased, power centric distributions of human economic, social, political, cultural and spiritual human necessities.The edited book examines the major parameters of the socio-economic issues of inequality and focuses on the key economic issues of inequality, namely, income and wealth distribution, equity & equality of outcome, and equality of opportunities. Economic inequality is measured by wealth, income dsiproportions in distribution and consumption patterns in a specific area. Mostly, inequality is measured using various statistical tools including the Gini Coefficient, inequality adjusted human development index, 20:20 ratio, Palma ratio, Hoover index, Galt score, Coefficient of variation, Theil index, wage share etc. However, not all income can be measured by these tools. By using case studies, this book encourages us to reframe economic development through the lens of growing inequalities and disparities. Economic growth per se is disproportional, and the efforts of scholars, practitioners and policymakers should be directed to empower the marginalized of society in a way that ‘no one should left behind’ (UN Slogan).

This book discusses the factors behind the inequalities embedded within our social, economic and political systems. Social inequalities are especially seen in the service sectors – in the differences of access to healthcare, education, social protection, housing systems, childcare, elderly care etc. Cultural inequality, which segregates people from the mainstream based on recognition problems with a specific groups’ social status, language, religion, customs and norms, is another widespread issue. This book tries to present an accurate picture of these issues with cases studies from various countries. Mostly, when we talk about inequality, the focus is on economic inequality; however, much inequality persists, especially discrimination due to gender, age, origin, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, class, and religion. To end this situation there is a need for social, economic, and political reform. Until or unless the marginalized groups are empowered, the inequality issue cannot be solved or even minimized. On the basis of various case studies, this book encourages us to rethink societal development through the lens of growing inequalities and disparities. The book presents new insights for evaluating the progress on social development. The book highlights the current challenges of social inequality. In combination this collection of edited papers gives an integrated understanding of the question of “why is society unequal”? This book is aimed at those stakeholders, who want to make or contribute to change and build an undivided, socially inclusive society, and to those who want to contribute to empowering society in the Twenty-First century.

This edited book presents some unexplored issues of economic inequality, including case studies of various countries. Inequality is a chronic and divisive factor of society. Inequality exists as an integral attribute of human development. Communities, nations, and systems are not evolving at the same speed and rate and thus require different resources in different amounts. However, the distribution of winnings is also uneven due to the multidimensionality of influencing factors.When we talk about inequality, it is not just inequality of income or wealth; it is first, inequality in access to priorities and human needs – to shelter, to clean water, air, health care, and also to appropriate vaccination systems and assistance, security systems and safety guarantees for the future. Past financial crises and the current pandemic shock has revealed bugs in the system, shaking it and changing our perception of the norms.We may have no doubts that inequality is an unsolved problem, but now we need to find out - is it unbeatable? There is still lack of knowledge around how inequality has been grounded throughout human civilization, why society is stratified and classified, economically, politically, socially, and religiously; and why the discrimination due to gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, language differences, immigration status, caste, race and ethnicity? This book addresses these issues in a holistic way as well as including case studies of various countries. It tries to find out why inequality has been unbeatable and what would be the best policies to overcome this challenge.

This book stands as the full body of scholarly work on western theories of social sciences. The book contents three chapters. The first part gives the overall scenario of theories, the second part provides the pathway to research destination – the research method, and the third and final part is the destination of the substantive field of study and the roles of international organizations on social, political, economic, environmental regimes creation as well as to other social and development functions of international organizations.Sociology examines the social actors’ activities in society and social problems. Western Scholars have developed many social theories, which address the underlying causes such as social conflicts and inequalities, and many formal and informal social organizations are involved to minimize the challenges of inequalities. The study of social organizations is a relatively new phenomenon in sociology. Broadly its historical root can be traced from Greek civilization (Plato, Aristotle), and it has mostly flourished since the Enlightenment Era. However, empirical studies show that the scientific study of organizations began only from the 19th and 20th century. Among the scholars of these centuries, the contributions of Karl Marx, Ferdinand Tönnies, Émile Durkheim, Ludwig Gumplovicz, Vilfredo Pareto, Max Weber, and Talcott Parsons are considered as pillars of sociology.This book intends to answer the broad and major questions of theories, methods, and the international organization studies in social sciences, particularly in sociology and to provide the basic concepts of social theories, application of methods in research (qualitative), and elaborate the factual reality "why study of international organization is also subject of sociological study". The book presents the perspectives of organizational sociology in way that scholarly readers can see the linkages political sciences, sociology and slightly economic in addressing the roles and issues of the international organizations.