A Sustainable Future?
". . . right now we are headed toward a ruined planet . . . But there is the other path . . . [and] a struggle that must be won . . . we are carried forward by hope, a radical hope, that a better world is possible and that we can build it."
—Dr. James Speth, Dean of the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University in his book The Bridge at the Edge of the World, 2008
To assure a sustainable future, decision makers must consider the economic, social justice and environmental impacts of their decisions. Informed decisions should result in sustainable growth which produces a high quality of life for us without putting future generations in jeopardy. We will explore how past civilizations dealt with sustainability challenges, some successfully and some not, but mostly we will address the challenges facing society today.
Using readings, guest presentations, and class discussions we will explore how issues relating to sustainability are currently being addressed by individuals, corporations, universities, and governmental agencies. We will also explore other approaches that could also be used to address some of the challenges, now and in the future, and how governments might encourage their implementation.
Based on common interests, groups of students will research, write research papers, and make class presentations focused on the sustainability practices of a corporation, university or government entity and the types of government policy or policies that would more effectively encourage sustainable decision-making.
This course elaborates on issues raised in the 4th Chapter of the Pacific Seminar I reader: Citizenship and the State, and also the 5th Chapter: The Natural World and the Environment.
