ENVI 315 - Sustainability & Urban Policy

Credits: 4

The modern American urban environment is undergoing rapid transformation as people reevaluate their relationship with both natural and manmade environments. Living buildings and green rooftops are beginning to appear on the skylines of many major cities, and once-abandoned urban lots are being transformed into vibrant urban gardens. The phenomenon can be found in large cities, as well as smaller urban communities like Binghamton. This course presents an interdisciplinary examination of the ever-evolving concept of sustainable living as it applies to modern urban rejuvenation and revitalization. Concepts explored include urban gardening, sustainable development, brownfield redevelopment, and the relationship between a city and its natural resources. As part of the course, students will participate in a group project on an aspect of local sustainable development in the Binghamton region. Prerequsite: Introductory policy course, such as ENVI 230 or ENVI/PHIL 149 or ENVI/GEOG 239. Offered regularly.