Environmental Conflicts

Abstract

Environmental conflicts have become a topical issue in the international research because of their complexity where social, economic, political and cultural factors operate. Their assessment is essential for understanding these factors and thus contributing to the formulation of effective resolution strategies. In this chapter the authors discuss the defining characteristics of the environmental conflicts as well as methods and approaches for their assessment and resolution. European environmental policies are used as examples of environmental conflicts drivers in order to highlight the large number of involved factors that undermine their successful implementation. This chapter ends the discussion with the presentation of the resolution efforts in multi-issue conflicts where a neutral party adds values to the process, advancing it towards an efficient ending.