From the maintenance of genetic diversity to the disposal of radioactive wastes, from toxics in the groundwater below us to global warm ing of the atmosphere above, the challenges of the 20th and 21st centuries are increasingly coming to involve society's relationships with the environment and technologies upon which we all depend. These interrelationships involve a range of complexities and implications that could not have been imagined in the early days of sociology. They are of sociological interest not just because of their significance to society, but also because of their significance to sociology. The Section on Environment and T echnology was founded to provide a home for sociologists interested in exploring these issues. This includes reviews of current literature and research reports, information about government policies concerning technology and the environment, announcements of meetings of interest, and discussions of rele vant issues.
Members periodically receive special Section reports and publications.
Members may present papers in the sessions on environmental sociology and the sociology of technology sponsored by the Section at ASA annual meetings. Through Section efforts, members can cooperate in seeking to influence ASA and governmental policies concerning environment and technology conditions and programs. By joining the Section, members become par t of an interacting network of North American and other sociologists interested in environment and technology issues. Exchanges are especially encouraged between people in academic and nonacademic settings, and between sociologists and others working on environment and technology problems. The Section on Environment and Technology presently has about 400 members.