Universities have a key role to play in contributing to environmental development and combating climate change. The chapters within this volume detail the challenges faced by higher education institutions in considering environmental sustainability, and provide both a broad view of university engagement and a detailed examination of various projects.

As part of this series in association with the Place and Social Capital and Learning (PASCAL) International Observatory, the three key PASCAL themes of place management, lifelong learning and the development of social capital are considered throughout the book.

While universities have historically generated knowledge outside of specific local contexts, this book argues that it is particularly important for them to engage with the local community and to consider diverse perspectives and assets when looking at issues within an ecological context. The chapters in this volume provide new perspectives and frames of reference for transforming universities by engaging in the development of resilient communities.

Patricia Inman is the Senior Research Associate for International Engagement Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University, USA.
 
Diana Robinson is the Director for the Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University, USA.

Introduction; Darlene E. Clover and Kathy Sanford
PART I: LAYING THE FOUNDATION
1. University Responsibility in a World of Environmental Catastrophe: Cognitive Justice, Engagement and an Ethic of Care in Learning; Steve Garlick and Julie Matthews
2. Unbounded Organization and the Unbounded University Curriculum; Howard Richards
3. Indigenous and Western Knowledge: a False Dichotomy?; Margaret Sutherland
4. Guerrilla Geography: Describing and Defending Place for a Living (or the Renaissance of 100-mile Geographers); Briony Penn
5. Universities in Transition: Overcoming Barriers and Creating Pathways for Sustainability; Jesús Granados Sánchez
PART II: STUDIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
6. Sustainable Local Food Systems and Environmental Sustainability; Sandra Streed
7. Higher Education Intervention in the Management of Soil Erosion and Agricultural Practice in Nigeria; Idowu Biao and Roseline Tawo
8. The Importance of Women's Leadership Programmes in Developing a Sustainable Economy; Morgan Chawawa and Wapula Raditloaneng
9. Becoming Part of the Solution: Engaged Research on Sustainability; Linda Silka
10. University-community Outreach: Case Study of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs; Norman Walzer and Christopher D. Merrett 11. Initiating Ecological Restoration and Community Relationships at a Satellite Campus; Roberta Lammers
Conclusion
Index