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Sustainability Management: Lessons from and for New York City, America and the Planet

Sustainability Management: Lessons from and for New York City, America and the Planet

On June 28, 2011, the Earth Institute, Columbia University, hosted a book launch and reception for Sustainability Management: Lessons from and for New York City, America and the Planet, a new book by Steven Cohen, executive director of the Earth Institute and professor in the practice of public affairs at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Over 250 students and professionals from government, private and non-profit organizations attended the event. “To have such a large audience with guests from across all industries and sectors reflects the growing interest in sustainability issues, which will only increase in the years to come. Business as usual no longer exists.” said Cohen.

Cohen, who also serves as the director of the Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy program at SIPA and the Master of Science in Sustainability Management program at Columbia University’s School of Continuing Education, gave a presentation about his book at the event. He began with an introduction to sustainability management and why it is necessary in order to sustain long-term, global economic growth. He discussed the fundamental issues of sustainability including renewable energy and sustainable water and food. Throughout the talk, Cohen illustrated how sustainable practices can be successfully incorporated into all aspects of organizational management, moving sustainability from the realm of theory into practice. He asserted that future leaders must have the necessary training in the physical dimensions of sustainability if we are to move toward a sustainable planet. When asked about his motivation for writing the book, Cohen replied, “My goal in writing this book was to provide a tool for those seeking to transform their organizations, communities and cities. In order to stay competitive, organizations in the public and private sectors need to incorporate sustainability management into their daily work.”

Watch Cohen’s full presentation from the event.

Sustainability Management: Lessons from and for New York City, America and the Planet, is one of the first books of its kind to practically address sustainability management issues in any organization. Directed at policymakers, students, scholars and managers from both the private and public sectors, Cohen makes the case that environmental protection and economic development are mutually interdependent. Utilizing examples from New York City and all over the world, Cohen illustrates how a host of sustainability efforts ranging from energy to waste management can positively impact businesses, the global economy and the planet.

In this video, “Sustainability Management,” Steven Cohen discusses the need for sustainable economic development as well as his motivation and goals for writing the book, which grew from his experience in environmental policy and management. 

Order Sustainability Management online from Columbia University Press. Enter the code “SUSCO” to receive a 30 percent discount.

For more information on Sustainability Management: Lessons from and for New York City, America and the Planet, please contact Columbia University Press:
Tel: 800-343-4499
Fax: 800-351-5073