This is a study of the social roots of environmental damage that will apply world systems theory to the linkages between social classes, economic growth, greenhouse gas emissions, and deforestation. The study will combine: (1) a cross-sectional analysis of 125 countries; (2) a short time-series analysis on greenhouse gas emissions and economic structure; (3) a long time- series analysis of cyclical economic production and periodicities in emissions. This interdisciplinary study will play a major role in founding an important new field within sociology: international statistical research on the social factors that harm or protect the environment. In addition to charting new intellectual territory for social scientists, this study will offer insights to policy makers concerning the environmental consequences of world-wide social trends.
