S1305 Globalization, Environment and Sustainable Development

Globalization has important impacts on the environment, that have to be considered in order to achieve sustainable development.

The course aims at introducing the students to the environmental implications of globalization. Environmental issues have gained center-stage in economic analysis and policy-making, and their urgency has opened new opportunities in terms of technological innovation and entrepreneurship.

Through an interdisciplinary perspective, the course will provide students with key competences and instruments for the analysis of natural and environmental resources in a sustainable perspective and for the development of policies oriented towards the promotion of sustainable development processes both at a national and international level.

Introduction and objectives

The course focuses on environmental issues in a globalized contest within the framework of sustainable development. For this purpose the course will cover different themes, starting from the introduction of the sustainable development concept. The case study of China will be considered as representative of the relationship between economic development and environmental issues. The course will also explore the role of firms for the sustainable development, considering Corporate Social Responsibility and Industrial Ecology. Moreover international environmental agreements will be considered as tool for promoting sustainable development at global level. Finally the course will study, from different perspectives, climate change as one of the main global environmental issue, considering scientific evidences, energy implications and policies in climate change.

This pattern will enable the students to understand the complexity of sustainable development and environmental issues and to deal with them.

Course organisation and supervision

The overall structure of the course and its thematic organisation have been developed and coordinated by prof. Ignazio Musu (Ca’ Foscari University, TEN Center - Venice International University) and dr Ilda Mannino (TEN Center - Venice International University).

The course is organised around different thematic areas, each developed through classes, and lectures by experts and researchers with a different background.

Course Requirements

Students will be expected to do the required readings and to attend class regularly. Attendance is compulsory for all students. Required readings will be designated on a weekly basis according to the themes listed in the course outline. Students will be also encouraged to find additional material for their papers by searching the Internet and accessing suggested websites.

Field trips and seminars related to the course will be arranged.

In addition to the 40 hours of in-class tuition, Globalization Program students must accumulate a minimum of 40 hours in seminars, guest lectures and field trips and VIULECTURES.