Environmental Science & Policy 101 - SUSTAINABILITY&SOC-ECO SYS
Fall
2017
01
4.00
Alexander Barron
MWF 01:10-02:30
Smith College
10378-F17
MCCONN 103
abarron@smith.edu
We have entered a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene, characterized by the accelerating impact of human activities on the Earth’s ecosystems. All over the globe, humans have transformed the environment and have sometimes created catastrophic dynamics within social-ecological systems. Scientists have studied these phenomena for decades, alerting both the general public and policy-makers of the consequences of our actions. However, despite convincing evidence of environmental degradation, humans continue to radically transform their environment. This course explores this puzzle and asks how we can remodel our social-ecological systems to build a more sustainable and resilient future. Enrollment limited to 60.