The New Routledge Handbook of Political Ecology offers a state-of-the-art exploration of contemporary political ecology, grounded in the field’s radical foundations and its longstanding connections to political activism.

This book is organised around the field’s engagement with contemporary political issues, spanning across 56 chapters. Section One explores Decolonising Political Ecology, Section Two examines Activism & Praxis, and Section Three focuses on the Making of Twenty-first Century Natures. Adopting an inclusive, cross-disciplinary approach, the book features a gender-balanced and ethnically diverse range of authors, including contributions from scholars at various career stages. This diverse representation is reflective of commitment to challenging established hierarchies within political ecology – not only in the topics we examine but also in recognizing the varying perspectives researchers themselves bring to the field. This editorial strategy has proven intellectually enriching, resulting in a dynamic collection that broadens and deepens our understanding of what political ecology is and what it can achieve.

Together, as editors and 97 contributors, we contribute a forward-looking overview of contemporary Political Ecology, offering an essential reference for scholars conducting research that is relevant, ethical, critical, and, hopefully, transformative, as well as for activists and communities involved in environmental conflicts and struggles around the world.