New Books in Political Science Ihnji Jon, "Cities in the Anthropocene: New Ecology and Urban Politics" (Pluto Press, 2021)
Nov 8, 2025
Ihnji Jon, a lecturer in international politics, discusses her groundbreaking book on urban environmentalism. She explores how climate change reshapes cities, emphasizing that local governance often leads the way in pro-environmental action, especially in unexpected places. Through insights from Darwin, Tulsa, Cleveland, and Cape Town, Jon highlights the role of everyday experiences in mobilizing political change. She also outlines strategies for creating a pro-environmental cultural atmosphere, blending local practices with global ecological concerns.
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New Ecology Reframes Responsibility
- New ecology rejects strict human/nature divides and emphasizes co-evolutionary interdependence.
- Ihnji Jon argues responsibility must be situated and tied to everyday urban life, not top-down mandates.
Neutral Language Enables Environmental Politics
- Pragmatic, non-environmental language can advance pro-environment outcomes in conservative cities.
- Jon shows planners use neutral terms like "stormwater management" to link daily needs with long-term ecological goals.
Tulsa Chosen For Disaster-Resilient Lessons
- Jon picked Tulsa as a case to learn from disaster management and hazard mitigation practices.
- He found Tulsa preparing for climate extremes with planning approaches distinct from big coastal city models.
