Environmental sociology is a subfield of sociology that examines the social dimensions of environmental issues, including the interactions between human societies and their natural environments, the social causes and consequences of environmental problems, and the ways in which environmental issues are shaped by social structures, institutions, and processes.

Key themes and areas of inquiry within environmental sociology include:

1. Human-Environment Interactions: Environmental sociology explores the complex relationships between human societies and their natural environments. It examines how social factors such as technology, economic systems, cultural beliefs, and political institutions influence patterns of resource use, environmental degradation, and sustainability, as well as how environmental changes in turn impact human societies and livelihoods.
2. Environmental Justice and Inequality: Environmental sociology analyzes the distribution of environmental benefits and burdens within society, with a focus on issues of environmental justice and environmental inequality. It examines how marginalized communities, including low-income communities, communities of color, and indigenous peoples, are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards, pollution, and resource depletion, as well as how social inequalities intersect with environmental degradation and vulnerability.
3. Environmental Movements and Activism: Environmental sociology considers the role of social movements, grassroots organizations, and advocacy groups in addressing environmental issues and promoting environmental justice. It examines how environmental movements mobilize around issues such as conservation, climate change, pollution, and land rights, as well as how they advocate for policy changes, corporate accountability, and social transformation to address environmental challenges.
4. Risk and Uncertainty: Environmental sociology investigates the social construction of environmental risks and uncertainties, including perceptions of risk, risk communication, and risk management strategies. It examines how social factors such as power relations, cultural values, and institutional interests shape the framing and management of environmental risks, as well as how communities and individuals respond to environmental hazards and uncertainties.
5. Sustainable Development: Environmental sociology explores concepts of sustainable development and pathways to achieving environmental sustainability within society. It examines strategies for promoting sustainable practices, lifestyles, and policies, as well as the social, economic, and political barriers to sustainability and the role of social innovation, collective action, and governance in fostering sustainability transitions.
6. Globalization and the Environment: Environmental sociology considers the implications of globalization processes, such as economic globalization, transnational corporations, and global supply chains, for environmental governance and sustainability. It examines how global environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and deforestation are shaped by global economic and political forces, as well as how local communities and global networks mobilize for environmental protection and conservation.

Overall, environmental sociology provides critical insights into the social dimensions of environmental problems and solutions, highlighting the importance of understanding the interplay between human societies, social structures, and the natural environment in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.