Examines causes of environmental problems in industrialized and developing
countries, with a particular focus on the regulation of pollution from
manufacturing and consumption, urbanization, and natural resource extraction.
Impacts of globalization will receive attention. Students will analyze
current and emerging policies and programs that seek to respond to urban
and industrial environmental problems. Course engages debates on sustainable
development and examines how global economic processes impact attempts
at local environmental regulation. Cover major impacts of industrial
society on the environment, and government, private sector, and NGO
responses through environmental policies, plans, and campaigns. Examines theories and practice of environmental justice in both domestic
and international contexts, exploring and critically analyzing philosophies,
frameworks, and strategies underlying environmental justice movements.
Course evaluates ethical bases underlying environmental justice frameworks.
Examines case studies of environmental injustices, including: distributions
of environmental quality and health, unequal enforcement of regulations,
unequal access to resources to respond to environmental problems, and
the broader political economy of decision-making around environmental
issues. Students will also explore how environmental justice movements
relate to broader sustainable development goals and strategies. 11.369J Technology, Industry,
and Ecology Examines the ecological implications of industrial activities and the
potential to reduce adverse environmental impacts through the re-design
of industrial processes and products. Explores opportunities and challenges
of advancing "Industrial Ecology" such as closing material loops, pollution
prevention, toxics use reduction, design for environment, and life cycle
assessment. Subject takes a multidisciplinary approach to examining
the concepts and methods important to making the transition toward a
more ecologically sound industrial society and engages debates on the
political and economic barriers to making this transition.
