Environmental Challenges and Solutions: Moving Toward Sustainability

University Studies
Michael Shriberg
Spring 05

This course takes an interdisciplinary, solution-oriented approach to the analysis of diverse environmental issues through four modules: Sustainability & Consumption, Sustainable Water Use, Sustainable Agriculture, and Ecological Economics & Sustainable Futures.  It is designed for students interested in our global environment, one of the most critical issues of our time.  The premise is that global ecological systems are in decline.  This course will not only introduce you to the major issues causing or relating to this ecological decline, but also provide a template for thinking about and acting on solutions.  We will analyze the causes and implications of environmental problems at the global, national and local level from an issue-based perspective.  You will learn to use the concept of sustainability as framework to assess and act upon environmental problems.  The focus will be on focused, active, participation-based learning.
Texts:
Shoveling Fuel for a Runaway Train, Brain Czech
Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution, P. Hawken, A. Lovins, and L. Hunter Lovins
Fatal Harvest Reader: The Tragedy of Industrial Agriculture, Kimbrell, Andrew
Last Oasis: Facing Water Scarcity, Postel, Sandra.