PS356 - Global Environmental Policy
An interdisciplinary analysis of environmental policy formulation and regulation at the international level. Examines the negative impact of human activity upon complex ecosystems and the 'global commons,' and analyses the efficacy of international regimes, such as the Kyoto Protocol. Debates the linkages between environmental change, prosperity, and conceptualizations of security. Meets the Critical Perspectives: Social Inequality requirement. (Not offered 2024-25).
Degree requirement — Critical Perspectives: S
1 unit
Previously Featured Offering
This course explores the role of consilient (interdisciplinary) knowledge and its role in the amelioration of global collective action problems in the domain of the environment, notably commons such as the oceans and atmosphere. Regarding the oceans, we analyze the obstacles to the effective protection of global marine resources, specifically in the realms of biodiversity, fisheries, coral reefs, and endangered species. Regarding the atmosphere, we analyze problems of free-riding, time inconsistency, domestic politics and international anarchy.
The course integrates recent findings in political science, philosophy, biology, economics and ecology to generate a new base of knowledge for students. From a pedagogical standpoint, the aim of the course is to augment the student’s capacity to think in a critical and consilient manner, in order to tackle the complex collective action problems facing humanity in the modern era.
No offerings are currently scheduled.