how has capitalism contributed to our current environmental crisis?
Week 10 Writing Assignment: Social Justice and Ecological Sustainability Climate change is having a profound effect on ecological functioning as well as social health and well-being around the world. And, as you saw last week, these effects have been unevenly distributed, with the wealthiest countries contributing the most in terms of environmental degradation, while the poorest people and countries across the globe bear the most significant costs of climate change. There are, however, ways that we can mitigate the worst effects of climate change and address these inequities. And the best part of all of this is that these alternatives are already out there! We just have to enact them. For this final writing assignment I’d like you to critically analyze the causes of environmental degradation, as well as various models for addressing climate change, from macro- to micro- levels of action. In a minimum of two single-spaced pages, please respond to the following questions: First, how has capitalism contributed to our current environmental crisis? In your analysis, be sure to explain the relationship between economic growth, consumption, and environmental degradation (including climate change). Second, what have been some of the most significant impacts of the capitalism-environment nexus on society, and how are these impacts unevenly felt around the world? Third, critically assess the models for mitigating climate change provided in the lectures and assigned materials for this week (i.e. The Green New Deal, the Indigenous Stewardship Model, and economic democracy). For each, explain whether or not you think the model can effectively address climate change and contribute to environmental sustainability and social equity. Please note: your response must demonstrate your understanding of each of these models. You are welcome to critique one or all of them, but you must provide evidence for your critical analysis. In your analysis, be sure to engage with, provide specific examples from, and cite** all of the assigned materials from this week (this includes lectures, readings, videos, podcasts, etc.) to illustrate your points. Remember, these writing assignments are an opportunity for you to: Demonstrate you understand the sociological concepts and perspectives examined this week; Demonstrate an ability to synthesize information from multiple sources to make your claims; and, Demonstrate an ability to use empirical evidence (specific examples) to support your claims.