Environmental Politics and Policy

This course explores the intersection of environmental issues with political processes and public policy development. The course covers key topics such as environmental governance, policy-making, international environmental agreements, the role of political institutions, and the influence of stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), corporations, and communities. Students will examine how environmental policies are formulated, implemented, and enforced at local, national, and global levels. The course emphasizes the importance of policy frameworks in addressing critical environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understanding Environmental Policy-Making Processes: Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the political and institutional frameworks involved in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental policies at various governance levels.
• Exploring the Role of Key Stakeholders: Learn about the roles and influence of different stakeholders—including governments, NGOs, corporations, and local communities—in shaping environmental policies and the politics surrounding environmental decision-making.
• Analyzing Environmental Policies and International Agreements: Gain insights into major environmental policies and international agreements (such as the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol), and how these policies are used to address global environmental issues like climate change, pollution, and natural resource management.
• Applying Policy Analysis to Environmental Challenges: Develop skills in evaluating and analyzing environmental policies, assessing their effectiveness, and proposing solutions to contemporary environmental issues using policy tools and frameworks.

These outcomes aim to provide students with the knowledge and analytical skills necessary to understand and influence environmental policy-making. The course prepares students for careers in environmental policy, advocacy, public administration, and international relations, equipping them with the tools to navigate the political complexities of environmental governance and sustainability.