Few developments in 20th century thought owe more to the power of the written and visual image than the environmental movement. Depictions of spoiled landscapes, trees dying from the effects of acid rain, seabirds coated in oil after tanker accidents and other, similarly emotive representations are memorable images that have played an important role in awakening environmental consciousness. Each day we are bombarded with countless representations of familiar and less familiar environments. Representing the Environment offers an introductory guide through the representations of the environment found in everyday life encounters, in nature, culture, representation, landscape, art and in the media. Featuring case studies from across Europe, America, Japan, Australia and elsewhere, the book explains how to interpret historic and contemporary representations and explores major themes in their development: the rural idyll, wilderness, advertising, television, and artists and their collaboration with environmental movements. Contents: List of Figures. Preface. Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction 2. Studying Environmental Representations 3. Representations in Context 4. The Classical, Medieval and Renaissance Legacies 5. Enlightenment and Romanticism 6. Empire, Exploitation and Control 7. Representing Urban Environments 8. Historic Cities, Future Cities 9. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index