Thinking Sustainably

Catalog description

We live in a time marked by unrelenting environmental challenges and increasing awareness of the human impact on the planet. The need for sustainable practices has never been more critical. This comprehensive course in geographic sustainability offers an in-depth exploration of the principles, strategies, and tools necessary to foster a resilient and regenerative future. Throughout this course, students will delve into the multifaceted aspects of sustainability, examining its intersection with global poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. Students will also learn how geographic sustainability studies contribute centrally to the broader field of sustainability studies, particularly regarding central concerns such as socio-environmental justice, rural and urban ecologies, well-being and landscape, and the role of the state and the nationalization of many sustainability questions. Students will develop a holistic understanding of sustainability through theoretical frameworks and case studies. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to become catalysts for sustainability, driving positive transformations in their communities, workplaces, and beyond. This course is part of the core curriculum for the degree in Environment, Society, and Sustainability and will prepare students for subsequent coursework in the ESS major.