Introduction to Environmental Studies

Welcome to the world of environmental studies! This class is a survey of the broad discipline of environmental studies (ES), which serves as a gateway to the ES major here at Whitman. By the end of this course you will be able to analyze evidence and think critically so that you can make informed decisions about complex issues surrounding the environment. From my point of view there are two issues of such global importance that they color our perception of almost all environmental issues. They are energy and climate change. These two issues, inextricably linked, must be understood to make sound rational decisions about the environment. We will learn the basis for climate change, the impact, and solutions. We will learn what keeps our lights on and environmental impacts of keeping the lights on.