COURSE | “Urban Ecologies, Environmental Justice and Basic Life Needs”

In April 2025, CEE Founder and Executive Director Karenna Gore will co-teach a two-day course, SU 190 – “Urban Ecologies, Environmental Justice and Basic Life Needs,” at Union Theological Seminary with Michael Lewis of the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course will examine environmental justice through the lens of air, water, food, shelter and community/culture. It will include an overview of the Environmental Justice movement in the United States and case studies of contemporary concerns in the New York City. We will study bioregional climate-related issues such as current and projected increases in heat, storm surge, and sea level rise. We will also look into the sources and effects of pollution and seek to understand aspects of access to healthy food, water and air. We plan to include an optional walking tour and visit with communities who are on the frontlines of these issues.