From Precaution to Profit

Contemporary Challenges to Environmental Protection in the Montreal Protocol

Gareau Brian J.

The Montreal Protocol has been cited as the most successful global environmental agreement, responsible for phasing out the use of ozone-depleting substances. But, says Brian Gareau in this provocative and engaging book, the Montreal Protocol has failed – largely because of neoliberal ideals involving economic protectionism but also due to the protection of the legitimacy of certain forms of scientific knowledge. Gareau traces the rise of a new form of disagreement among global powers, members of the scientific community, civil society, and agro-industry groups, leaving them relatively ineffective in their efforts to push for environmental protection.

About the Author

Brian J. Gareau is assistant professor of sociology and international studies at Boston College.

Reviews

"This extraordinary story of California strawberry growers and neo-liberalism holding the crucial Montreal Protocol on ozone depletion to ransom simply must be read by anyone concerned about the global environment" – Simon Dalby, CIGI Chair in the Political Economy of Climate Change, Balsillie School of International Affairs

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