Environment and Society

Creating Change for a Sustainable Future

Studying Environment and Society prepares you to become a leader in the quest for a sustainable future.

 

Climate change, species extinctions, and pollution are not scientific problems – they are symptoms of unsustainable economic and political systems and a wasteful consumer culture that is disconnected from the Earth.

 

Solutions to these problems require new economic, political, cultural, and ethical thinking that turns into action.

Focus on Sustainability Transitions

A sustainable society is one in which all people can flourish within the ecological limits of our common home, Planet Earth. How do we get there?

 

In studying sustainability transitions, we move beyond problem analysis towards reimagining social systems that are fair, equitable, and in balance with nature.  Students explore how change happens and acquire the knowledge and skills needed to make a tangible difference in the world.

 

Beyond the Classroom

Your learning will extend beyond the classroom as St. Thomas works to become a sustainable university. Professors, students, and staff collaborate to connect course work with real actions to ‘green’ the campus and promote a culture of sustainability.

 

Several courses qualify for STU’s Certificate in Experiential Learning and Community Engagement. Hands-on learning opportunities include:

 

  • Planning and implementing campus projects
  • Field trips to various sites around the city
  • Connecting with community environmental groups
  • Engaging with sustainability experts—locally and beyond

Kelly Green

 

“Working with the Nature Trust enhanced so many of my skills. I improved my professional writing, content creation abilities, confidence with public speaking, time management, leadership, critical thinking, and so much more. Most importantly, the opportunity to work at Nature Trust made me realize how much I love my chosen degree. It has reignited my excitement for my career path.” 
 

Kelly Green, BA ’22, Environment and Society and Communications and Public Policy

 

Gain Experience and Build Your Resume

Connect the study of Environment and Society with professional experience through the STU .  You may have opportunities to work on climate change education and action campaigns, food security, land conservation and river restoration. Participating groups include:

 

  • Canada Parks and Wilderness Society of New Brunswick
  • Conservation Council of New Brunswick
  • Greener Village
  • Nature Trust of New Brunswick
  • The Gaia Project
  • Hayes Urban Teaching Farm
  • Nashwaak Watershed Association

Featured Courses

Understanding Environmental Problems

Understanding Sustainability

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Social Dimensions of Climate Change

Sustainability Auditing and Reporting

Health and Sustainability

Sustainable Community Transitions

Sustainability Communications

Global Environmental Politics

Canadian Environmental Law and Policy

Environmental Praxis

Where the Study of Environment and Society can Take You

Graduates can find meaningful careers in: 

 

  • Municipal , provincial and federal governments
  • Law
  • Teaching
  • Business
  • Social Enterprise
  • Community and Environmental Action Groups
  • Community Planning
  • Public Policy
  • Public Health
  • Communications
  • Journalism
  • Politics

 

Dr. Janice Harvey

 

“Environment and Society will introduce you to your eco-community, help you critically analyze how we are relating to our fellow inhabitants, and encourage you to imagine and work towards new relationships that will sustain that community.”

 

Dr. Janice Harvey, Coordinator of Environment and Society at STU