Dr. Katrina Running

What is Environmental Sociology?

Environmental sociology is the study of how human populations interact with, shape, and perceive their biophysical environments. In this presentation I will talk about what types of questions environmental sociologists research and briefly explain the causes and consequences of the primary environmental challenges facing the modern world. I will also discuss the role of economic development and the unequal distribution of various environmental pollutants, both within the U.S. and around the world. The presentation will conclude with a discussion about realistic and fair solutions to the environmental issues discussed.

What are the Causes and Consequences of Climate Change for Human Societies?

Global climate change is among the most serious problems facing humanity. Despite scientific consensus regarding the mechanisms causing climate change, action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions has been uneven and slow. I will begin this presentation with a short explanation of how the greenhouse effect works and the social, economic and historical trends that have contributed to it. I will then discuss the social side of climate change, including the current status of public opinion about climate change in different countries, the national and international policies currently in place, and the ways in which climate change is affecting human societies around the world right now. The presentation will also include an explanation of some of the social dimensions of vulnerability to climate change in the context of proposed climate justice models.