Promotions - Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles 2023 -

Moscato (journalism, Western Washington Univ.) provides an analytical case study of a multiyear struggle by Bold Nebraska, a statewide environmental organization, carried out to thwart the efforts of the TransCanada company (now known as TC Energy) to construct the Keystone XL Pipeline through Nebraska. Designed to transport oil from Alberta's tar sands, the pipeline proposal elicited strong support from fossil fuel advocates and strong opposition from environmental activists. Moscato systematically presents the communication strategies of both Bold Nebraska and TransCanada, using this case study to illustrate and elucidate the scholarly literatures on environmental communication and activism. He argues convincingly that Bold Nebraska was successful because it reflected local values and focused on countering threats to the land and the Nebraskans who depend on it. His methods include a content analysis of information published over time on the Bold Nebraska website, conducting interviews with key actors, and exploitation of an impressive array of secondary sources. Readers will learn how one case of civil environmental populism evolved in a rural US context and, in so doing, will also gain an in-depth understanding of the existing scholarship on environmental communication. This exemplary book demonstrates outstanding, careful scholarship.Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.

Jimenez Perez has written an extraordinary book based on years of working in the field on conservation and rewilding projects in many countries, involving numerous organizations, governments, and species. First published in Spanish in 2018, this English translation presents a coherent, insightful, easily understood manual for designing and managing conservation projects specific to local development situations. Coined as "Full Nature," the author's approach to rewilding is illustrated through a paddleboat metaphor that students, project managers, and politicians will easily understand. The chapters, named for components of a paddleboat, include coverage of important concepts, suggested strategies, and case studies of successful conservation programs. The text offers many international examples of species conservation and local development, beautifully illustrating the success of this approach and enabling all readers to relate and understand. Each chapter includes suggested additional readings and references. This inspiring, practical, informative text calls on conservationists to critically reflect on all aspects of conservation, including pertinent ecological data, leadership, and local development and politics. It will become a classic reference in the years to come for students, civic managers, and anyone seeking to learn more about effective conservation programs.Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.