About this Course
Studies of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries demonstrated persistent trends in the US: race, income, and other factors predispose marginalized communities to higher toxic waste exposure and poorer quality of air, water, housing, and recreational spaces. In “Environmental Justice,” you’ll learn how these burdens have individual, interpersonal, and intergenerational effects and how environmental justice has helped mitigate these inequities In this course, you’ll learn about the historical events that have helped shape the environmental justice movements of today, and legislative victories, like the removal of lead from automotive fuels and the establishment of mandates within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to previous successes, this course will explore current work emerging in the field of environmental justice, including Indigenous sovereignty, conservation, climate and migration justice, affordable housing, policing, digital equity, disability rights, and more. This is a course within the “Green Skills for a Sustainable and Just Future," a course series dedicated to shaping the next generation of sustainable practices and leadership
What You'll Learn
- Analyze current trends and changes in environmental justice using historical knowledge
- Describe concepts and actions linked to four types of justice in relation to organizations and technologies
- Contextualize environmental justice efforts within human inequality, adaptation, and resilience histories
Prerequisites
- Basic computer and internet skills
- Ability to read English course instructions and complete short activities
Instructors
Rebecca Hardin
Associate Professor Emerita of Environment and Sustainability