This paper aims to provide some theoretical starting points for constructing a social science approach to environmental issues which goes beyond narrower forms of constructivism without dismissing the importance of interpretative sociology. An ecological understanding of society is compared with the notion of structuration and integrated into the concept of coevolution in order to shed light on the dynamic nature of socioenvironmental relations and move beyond the constructivist/realist dualism.

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In this paper we argue that one way of viewing the relationship between sustainable development and nature is to explore the extent to which human-made capital can be substituted for nature ('natural capital'). It is suggested that this substitution/replacement exposes societies to different risks and uncertainties. Our point of departure is to distinguish sociologically between different 'natures', which reflect different levels of human/natural capital substitution and degrees of hybridity: First Nature, Second Nature, Third Nature and Fourth Nature. This approach to sustainable developmentthrough investigating the co-existence of human-made and natural capital, and the effects of this process on risk and uncertaintyis used to explain the vicissitudes of much of the 'sustainable development' debate. Focusing on sustainable consumption and ecological modernization, the paper also suggests that regulation theory might help to explain how different environmental policy options are chosen, and the limitations of these options.

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Water-quality monitoring in the Ukraine is intended to control pollution and enforce water-protection legislation. The control is both state and institutional, with institutional control being predominant. Despite the fact that the country has a good scientific and technical background for effective water-quality monitoring, there are failures in the operation of state environmental law enforcement inspectorates. This appears to be due to the economic crisis in the country; as a result, there are serious water pollution problems. The only long-term solution is considered to be an improved performance in the Ukranian economy, which would allow society to pay for enhanced 'environmental goods'.

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