Sustainability: Policy & Practice

In 1987, the Brundtland Commission, formerly the World Commission on Environment and Development, defined sustainability as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Sustainability covers many disciplines, and the concept is very broad. Sustainability relates to some of the most challenging questions of our time, and the United Nations has developed sustainability goals to meet these challenges. The UN Sustainable Development Goals range from reducing poverty to building sustainable communities. Not only are countries working on sustainability goals but corporations have joined as well. Shareholders of many corporations have requested their corporations meet sustainability needs. Sustainability reports are now required in the annual reports. This course will look at sustainability goals as it relates to environmental policy and practice. Students will understand the language of sustainability and analyze sustainability reports for greenwashing versus legitimate actions toward sustainable practices. They will also be able to put into practice possible policies to meet sustainability goals.