ENV 241 - Globalization, Sustainability, and the Environment

The global economy consumes large amounts of fossil fuels and natural resources creating a myriad of environmental problems, but many NGOs, international institutions, governments, and businesses think that a more ecologically sustainable form of economic development could resolve these environmental issues while enhancing community wellbeing. What is the potential for sustainable development? Who would benefit and who would bear the burdens? Using social science theories, this course investigates the socio-ecological impacts of contemporary capitalism across global supply networks and life cycles, and critically examines proposals for sustainable development through questions of power, democracy, and justice. 

Provides social science track depth component credit in the Environmental Studies major and interdisciplinary minor.
Satisfies a requirement in the Sociology major.
Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought requirement.
Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community requirement.