Economy, Environment, and Sustainable Development

The primary focus of this course is to understand the various aspects of economic growth, environmental protection, human development, sustainability, and their interrelationships. What does sustainable development mean? What is the difference between strong sustainability and weak sustainability? What is the relationship between economic efficiency, equity, and sustainability? What role can governments play to ensure economic growth leads to equitable distribution of social wealth? How do human activities affect the sustainability of global resources such as land, forests, and oceans? What roles can communities play in natural resource management and sustainable development? What is the role of international trade patterns and sustainable development? What role do international organizations such as the World Bank and United Nations have in promoting sustainable management of global resources and economic growth? We explore these questions through a series of readings, exams, group discussions, case studies (both contemporary and historical), and by writing a research paper on a course-related topic of choice. Harvard Extension School students may count one of the following courses toward a degree or certificate, but not more than one: DEVP S- 184, ENVR S-184 (offered previously), or ECON S-1665 (offered previously).