Environmental Studies 321CP - Capitalism and Climate Change

Can an economic system predicated on infinite;growth achieve sustainability on a finite planet?;This question will likely define the twenty-first;century. This course aims to grapple with this;paradox, examining the relationships and tensions;between the globally dominant form of economy -;capitalism - and global climate change. We will;explore the interwoven rise of capitalism and;emergence of fossil fuel energy, as well as the;global expansion of capitalism and the;connections between resources, economic growth,;and political power. We will engage with various;theoretical approaches to capitalism-environment;relations, such as metabolic rift theory, the;second contradiction of capitalism, and the;production of nature thesis. These theories;provide insight into recent forms of capitalism;(i.e. neoliberalism) and the increasing;degradation and commodification of the;environment. We end by studying contemporary;debates, examining institutions and policies;seeking to manage climate change from with;liberal-capitalist frameworks, the emergence of;the "green economy", and the politics of climate;denialism, concluding with alternatives economies;and the climate justice movement. This course;will provide students with theoretical knowledge;and analytical skills for understanding;economy-environment relationships.

Course limited to sophomores, juniors and seniors