This colloquium course is offered in Fall Semester to students enrolled in the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy MS in Environmental and Sustainability Policy program. It examines the complex interplay between policy, environment, and society and equips students with the knowledge and analytical tools to address pressing global concerns through effective policy formulation and implementation. Through case studies and guest speakers, students will examine policy responses to issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, resource management, community resilience, and more. Case studies have been developed by students under the supervisions of faculty and are designed to facilitate discussion-based, interactive learning about environmental and sustainability policy issues and management strategies in the public and not-for-profit sectors.

Outcome 1
Analyze the complex interplay between policy, environment, and society in the U.S. and globally using a case study-based approach.

Outcome 2
Apply the knowledge and analytical tools to address pressing global concerns through effective policy formulation and implementation.

Outcome 3
Demonstrate techniques from practical experience with issue advocacy and policy design in the context of pressing environmental threats.

Outcome 4
Evaluate important policy dilemmas in an environmental and sustainability context and how political processes shape them.