Environmental Crisis and Global Sustainability

Exploring the currently unsustainable relationship between human civilization and the Earth systems; developing sensitivity and a sense of urgency for environmental protection and sustainable solutions. This course introduces students to the concept of the Anthropocene, the planetary boundaries of human civilization, and possible solutions to the ongoing and forthcoming environmental crisis and its societal implications. It is designed to explore the basic aspects of the currently unsustainable relationship between people’s activities and the Earth systems, especially the natural environment and ecosystem services necessary for human survival. Using lectures, case studies, and excursions combined with individual and group work/projects, the instructor will cover topics such as climate change, biodiversity loss, global pollution, economic growth, food security, environmental sustainability and justice, green economy, environmental social movements, environmental politics and agreements, urban challenges and other essentials.