IRPS 385Global Environmental Politics and Justice

Global Environmental Politics is premised on the interconnectedness of the global physical environment and human society. The close ties between environmental quality and human well-being are a part of the political decision making process regarding global resource distribution. This course, while referencing the scientific aspects of environmental dynamics, concentrates on how the global community might respond to urgent environmental problems in a politically, economically and culturally divided world. Issues such as deforestation, resource management, desertification, sustainable development and biodiversity are examined. The processes for conceiving, negotiating, finalizing and implementing international environmental agreements are considered.