E&ES 170/AFAM 213
Environmental Justice and Sustainability

This course explored the scientific, political, economic, climatic and historical issues related to environmental racism and the potential impact of climate change on disadvantaged communities. This course was taught by Suzanne O’Connell, Professor of Earth and Environmental Science, and was cross-listed in African American Studies.  Scholars have documented in the last 15 years, people of color in all regions of the United States bear a disproportionate burden of the nation's environmental problems. Minority communities face higher concentrations of toxic waste sites and garbage dumps. In response, communities across the country have mobilized to demand less polluted environments, more green space, and increased voice in decision-making.  O’Connell co-created a module with Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance, Rachel Boggia.  Boggia taught elements of  dance composition as a way of 1. physicalizing scientific principles to improve comprehension and 2. expressing personal opinions and or feelings about environmental justice.