Issues in Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

Overview This introductory course on issues in environmental sustainability begins with the basic principles of Earth’s environmental systems, ecosystems, and water and soil. The course evolves to consider the interactions of these principles within the realms of climate change, energy, forest resource management, food systems, pollution and waste management, and society and the environment. The course explores the human impact on environmental systems and the challenges of developing and implementing sustainable technologies and practices that reduce society’s overall environmental impact.

Course Objectives

Describe Earth’s major subsystems and their connections within the environmental sustainability framework. Identify and describe issues in Environmental Sustainability that affect and apply to our daily lives Develop a scientific understanding of the impacts of human activities upon our environmental systems Recognize and apply scientific theories in daily life choices so as to make less of an environmental impact in your home and work activities