After outlining the scope, target audience, and structure of the book, we review the literature on globalisation and environmental policy, especially the impact of globalisation on the environment and changes in environmental governance in relation to increasingly global spheres of influence. This is followed by a succinct representation of the essential points of all contributions to this volume. While each chapter has its own distinct focus and perspective, common themes have been identified in major outcomes and future directions: the delicate and multifaceted relation between economic globalisation and environmental protection, changes in the prioritisation of environmental issues, shifts in governance mechanisms, dealing with reduced sovereignty, prospects for existing and new policy instruments, and finding a balance between globalisation and national environmental policy. These findings lead to conclusions with respect to the commensurability of different governance levels and the compatibility of different policy areas
