Evaluating our environmental impact: Think globally, act locally?
Bumper stickers implore us to “think globally, act locally” but what does this axiom mean for environmentalism in the 21st century? Global climate change is threatening ecosystems, economies, and human health around the world. The supply of fossil fuels is dwindling, forcing greater exploration in some of the few remaining pristine places. The largest dam in the world is nearing completion in China while great rivers in the United States are literally drying up. Urbanization, population growth, increased consumption of goods, and many other stressors continue to put pressure on the ecological integrity of the globe.
In the face of such overwhelming global challenges, will changing our personal eating, driving, or energy habits truly make a difference? We will attempt to answer this question at three scales with three essays that integrate academic research with popular sources to generate powerful, interesting arguments. First, we will examine our individual “ecological footprints” to understand how personal choice does or does not significantly impact the environment. Second, we will explore the ways Duke University embraces the idea of a “sustainable campus” both in the operation of campus facilities and the contributions it makes to local conservation efforts. Finally, we place local action in the context of global environmental crises to question whether thinking globally and acting locally is the best approach.
Our major writing assignments will range from succinct op-ed pieces to full research proposals, with short reflective papers used to promote and inspire our class discussions. Students will collaborate on multiple revisions of papers through in-class workshops and conferences. In addition to our writing, students will lead at least one class discussion focused on readings from environmentally-themed websites, newspapers, and academic papers. All perspectives on environmentalism and “going green” are encouraged and welcome.
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