I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect going into ENVR 430 given the course structure, and found that it was a lot less rigid and more curiosity-driven then some of the other courses I’ve taken. Reflecting on the semester, I would say that my favourite part of the course is that it was hope and empowerment driven rather than just presenting problems. I would say I often come away from hearing about environmental issues with a sense of gloom, which inevitably breeds apathy. Counteracting this is so essential for meaningful change to ever occur, and it’s great to see this being the foundation of an environmental science course.
Hearing everyone’s different perspectives from the unique contexts they are situated in was also very valuable, and led me to consider other viewpoints to complex topics. Coming away from this course, I have refined my ideas of what sustainability really means and how it can be practiced and I envision going on with my life performing a deeper questioning of the environmental issues I see in the world.
I totally agree, Sophia! Learning about environmental issues through a lens where can see the hope is just so empowering!