Contemporary societies face a seemingly insurmountable challenge: how to continue developing without destroying the planet. The signs are clear: if we continue with our current unsustainable model of economic development, the Earth will become inhabitable in a few decades. It is also clear what we need to do to avoid catastrophic climate change (e.g., cutting down Greenhouse Gas emissions, stopping deforestation, and water source contamination). Then, why aren’t we doing it?
In
this class we will discuss the political causes and consequences of planetary
degradation. We will examine environmental issues like deforestation, water
contamination, and air pollution as the product of distributive struggles
resulting in government (in)action. Students will analyze and compare different
policy initiatives as well as instances of citizen mobilization to stop
environmental depletion in their own communities and around the world.
- Teacher: Belen Fernandez Milmanda