NOTE: This course is very different from EEMT 666 - Environmental Management: Problems and Solutions. While EEMT 666 focuses on environmental issues relevant to the energy sector, the focus of ESDB 619 is much broader and the course is aimed at students from all industries.
Course Overview
Increasing concern about the effects of economic development on health, natural resources and the environment led the United Nations to publish the Brundtland Report in 1980s. The report defined Sustainable Development as "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." In June 1992, the Rio Earth Summit declared that "the right to development must be fulfilled so as to equitably meet developmental and environmental needs of present and future generations."
Sustainable Development is not just about the environment, but about the economy and our society as well. Sustainable Development encourages the conservation and preservation of natural resources and of the environment, and the management of energy, waste and transportation. Sustainable Development is development based on patterns of production and consumption that can be pursued into the future without degrading the human or natural environment. It involves the equitable sharing of the benefits of economic activity across all sections of society, to enhance the well-being of humans, protect health and alleviate poverty.
If sustainable development is to be successful, the attitudes of individuals as well as governments with regard to our current lifestyles and the impact they have on the environment will need to change.
(As explained at the website of Atmospheric, Climate & Environment Information Programme, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK).
Researchers and policy makers suggest that sustainable development is best achieved through open, competitive, international markets that honour legitimate comparative advantages. Markets encourage efficiency and innovation, both necessities for sustainable human progress.
The concept of sustainability is a matter of degree: it seeks an answer to how much change is acceptable. This reinforces the ethical basis for environmental protection and recognizes the intrinsic value of the environment. The moral obligation of sustainable development is, at minimum, to prevent an environmental catastrophe for future generations, while "maximal" custodial performance would be to ensure future generations enjoy the same or better levels of environmental amenities as the present generation. However, if current patterns of global development continue, even the minimum objective will not be attainable. Nevertheless, "a desire to protect the interests of future generations does not remove the desire [or obligation] to improve the well-being of the current one." Thus, the philosophy of sustainable development does not require that we sacrifice our own well-being for the sake of future generations, although it may be necessary to. For example, sustainability may require the complete shutdown of some industries. This is the dilemma we seek to understand and discuss.
In this course students discuss the concept of sustainable development as a proposed solution to an array of global and local concerns. Problems such as global inequity, overpopulation, over-consumption, and environmental degradation are introduced; and the interrelationship among these problems is examined. The role of environmental advocates and their impact on strategic business decisions are discussed. This course presents the environmental perspective in relation to the political, social, and economical environments. It not only looks at the macro-issues, but also presents the student with micro-enterprise-level discussions for developing an effective environmental strategy. The course also introduces the Canadian environmental strategy.
The course will provide you with
- a global strategic view of environmental issues
- insights into environmental politics
- an appreciation of environmental concerns along with their social, economical, and political relationships
- models for developing an environmental strategy for a firm
- knowledge about Canada's commitment to climate change and its effect on business
The course is strongly recommended for those who plan to write their Applied Projects on environmental sustainability issue.
Course Outline
The course is not rigidly structured due to the nature of the topic we present and explore with you. The discussions revolve around current concerns and issues. The web, being a rich source of information, is tapped for readings throughout the course. You are also provided with a DVD entitled "Who Killed the Electric Car?" for assignment purposes. Experience shows that the discussions during the course are intense and it is essential for a student taking this course to be able to set aside time for quite a few extra readings; be prepared to absorb different aspects of the subject with an open mind and above all have an appreciation of the environmental, social, economical and ethical obligations that we have as individuals and as organizations.
Student Evaluation
Your grades will be based on your participation in group discussions and completion of individual assignments.