Global Change and Sustainability

This course broadly considers the stability of how humans relate to the environment. It examines how social systems can be organized to lessen their impact on natural systems, lessen inequalities within generations, and ensure the viability of natural resources for future generations. To do this, the course focuses on international policy as developed through the United Nations and affiliated institutions. National policy is considered, where appropriate, as examples of leadership or obstruction in diminishing human impact on the environment. Students consider local case studies that exude principles of sustainability. The concept of sustainability in the face of global change is critically examined throughout the course, including issues of ecological integrity and social justice.