Steve Cohen, Director of the MPA ESP Program Releases Two New Books

Steve Cohen is the director of the MPA in Environmental Science and Policy program, and executive director and chief operating officer of The Earth Institute at Columbia University.  He has been working for over two decades on environmental issues including environmental policy management, energy policy, nuclear waste policy, and urban policy.  Cohen has used his interest in total quality management and management effectiveness in countless environmental projects including the Hazardous Waste Management Project for the National Academy of Public Administration as well as the Superfund Organization for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. With his expertise as a manager and environmental policy analyst, Cohen spearheaded the creation of the MPA ESP program and continues to develop environmental degree programs as well as write books on how to manage environmental challenges.

In May 2006, Columbia University Press published Steve Cohen's latest book: Understanding Environmental Policy.  This book introduces a multidimensional framework for developing effective environmental policy within the United States and around the world.  Cohen examines four case studies which represent current environmental challenges at the local, national, and international levels: New York City's garbage crisis; the problem of leaks from underground storage units; toxic waste contamination and the Superfund program; and global climate change. Through these case studies, Cohen analyzes the political, scientific, technological, organizational, and moral import of these environmental issues as well as the nature of the policy surrounding them. The book also considers the value we place on our ecosystems, whether science and technology can solve the very environmental problems they create, as well as what policies are necessary to reduce environmentally damaging behaviors. 

Strategic Planning in Environmental Regulation: A Policy Approach that Works was published in December 2005 and co-authored with Sheldon Kamieniecki, Professor of Political Science at the University of Southern California, and Matthew A. Cahn, Professor of Public Policy in the Department of Political Science at California State University, Northridge. 

The strategic regulatory model proposed by the new book is meant to ensure a relationship between private behavior and public aims.  It relies on a strong, interactive relationship between business and government, and considers a regulation's objectives, target audience, and the nature of the regulatory agency in creating an effective plan. The authors consider two case studies-the use of the gasoline additive MTBE and the clean up of underground storage tanks-to illustrate the application of their model. While the introduction of the additive MTBE was meant to produce cleaner-burning gas, it instead added to groundwater and air pollution. This case study demonstrates the weaknesses of a top-down, fragmented regulatory approach. On the other hand, the clean up of underground storage tanks was a successful venture because of its strategic, results-oriented method. Aware that regulation works better in some cases than others, the authors provide alternative approaches as well. The authors' main goal is to lay an innovative groundwork for better environmental quality-control. To read an excerpt of the book from Chapter 6 entitled "Have We Made the Planet Warmer, and If We Have, How Can We Stop?" visit http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cup/publicity/cohenexcerpt.html

Through the MPA ESP Program, The Earth Institute at Columbia University, as well as books and publications on environmental policy and management, Cohen aims to further advance the creation of new environmental professionals who are able to deal with the complexities of environmental issues. The work that graduates pursue is informed by a deep understanding of earth systems, allowing them to craft the kinds of solutions necessary for our increasingly complex environmental problems.  To this end, Cohen's books are meant to enhance the knowledge of policy makers, scientists, as well as everyday citizens who care about the environment.

If you are interested in learning more about me, the MPA ESP program or have any additional questions, please contact me directly by email at sc32@columbia.edu or by phone at 212 854 3142 or visit the MPA ESP website at:

www.columbia.edu/cu/mpaenvironment