Social value, climate change, and environmental stewardship: Insights from theory and practice. By WilliamNikolakis, Renata MouradaVeiga, Cham: Springer. 2023. pp. 142. €106.99 (eBook). ISBN: 978‐3‐031‐23145‐2 (eBook)

Abstract

As the threat of climate change grows, the need for solutions that combine environmental protection, social good, and responsible engineering practices becomes more urgent. The timely and thought-provoking book 'Social Value, Climate Change, and Environmental Stewardship: Insights from Theory and Practice' explores these critical intersections. This comprehensive volume sets a new precedent by bringing the idea of 'social value' into the discussion of environmental issues and climate change. The authors move beyond traditional metrics of economic success, considering the broader societal and cultural impacts of environmental interventions. This book relates to the Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology's main focus: providing a deeper understanding of social value and social impact measurement can help practitioners design more effective and sustainable interventions and strengthen community involvement in decision-making processes that affect their lives. As such, this book can contribute to the development of applied community social psychology practice oriented towards positive outcomes and impacts on society.The fresh perspective adopted by the authors also holds immense significance for engineers, urging them to design and implement solutions that mitigate climate change, enhance community well-being, and foster responsible resource management. Nikolakis and da Veiga (2023) delve into a rich tapestry of theoretical frameworks and practical case studies of effective responses to climate change. From exploring the nuances of Social Return on Investment (SROI) to examining real-world examples of conservation initiatives and forest governance, they provide valuable tools for evaluating the multifaceted outcomes of environmental projects. This praxis blend of theory and practice equips readers with a holistic understanding and may enable some to move beyond technical considerations to embrace the social dimensions of environmental stewardship.The book consists of two main parts that cover topics around social value and social value measurement (including SROI), as well as the application of social value and SROI in practice. The first part of the book, encompassing Chapters 2-5, delves into the concepts of social value and its measurement (like SROI). It offers theoretical reviews on these topics, explores the role of gender in SROI, and analyses the evolution of social value itself. Additionally, it discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with measuring social value and provides practical guidance for applying these concepts in various contexts, particularly those related to the environment, forest governance, and indigenous peoples' engagement. The second part of the book contains Chapters 6-9 that discuss case studies, field experiences, insights from implementing environmental programs, especially those involving cooperation with