HHS 340: Global Environmental Justice in the Era of Climate Change and COVID-19

Course Description

This course introduces students to global environmental justice issues whereby some communities are burdened much more than others by pollution, toxic exposures, and our changing climate with inadequate environmental protections. In particular, we will examine how these issues intersect with many of society’s greatest challenges, including the COVID- 19 pandemic, as well as past and ongoing structural racism, colonization, and exploitation.
Drawing on diverse narratives and data, we will confront the weight of these realities, and recognize the need for hope, healing, and solutions. Together, we will reflect on and evaluate possible solutions with case studies from Gdansk, Poland to Detroit, USA and beyond.
Students will gain knowledge and skills to assess and address environmental justice concerns as scholars, activists, or practitioners no matter their respective professional or personal paths. This course is for any student interested in how we interact with the environments where we live, work, learn, and play. (OC).