|
Return to main FAQ
What is environmental sustainability?
The basis of environmental sustainability is to ensure that all human and non-human actions protect and preserve natural resources and do not disrupt ecological systems. The concept of environmental sustainability and sustainable development covers a range of areas such as resource and energy management and recycling, ecological sanitation, water supply and wastewater treatment and re-use, green technology, life-cycle assessment, humans and environmental risk assessment, and an environmental systems approach, along with the understanding of institutional, legal, social and economic regulatory issues.
What is permaculture?
Permaculture, a contraction of the terms permanent and agriculture (or culture), may be defined as a self-sustaining, whole system of agriculture. Adaptable to both urban and rural situations, permaculture is designed to produce an efficient, low-maintenance and optimally productive integration of trees, plants, animals, structures and human activities within specific environments. Permaculture represents an exciting and continuously evolving domain of interdisciplinary, professional practice. Learn more about permaculture studies the Environment & Community program offers.
What is environmental justice?
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, income, culture or social class with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. Environmental justice is achieved when everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment for living, learning and working.
How is this degree different from other environmental graduate programs? Unlike one-dimensional degree programs such as a masters in environmental science, or a masters in environmental policy - or even broad ecology graduate programs - the M.A. in Environment and Community defines environment in its totality. Studies include the biological, physical (natural and built), social, political, aesthetic and economic environments. This whole systems design approach to graduate environmental education provides graduates with a comprehensive vision, systems thinking strategies and specific skills to implement meaningful change in a variety of careers.
Return to main FAQ
|
