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Human beings and nature
How do they interact and how does this interaction impact the environment? How does our society transform nature? The environment consists of a highly complex set of interactive systems of which humans are an important, perhaps even dominant, element. Decisions made by specific individuals, institutions, governments, industries, and economic and military interests have the ability to impact the environment, communities and other individuals. Issues associated with the distribution of costs and benefits of development and conservation are extremely important to the future of the environmental debate. Underlying concerns about values and ethical guidelines for good environmental practice are also critical for the development of informed opinion about environmental issues.
The environmental studies program at Carleton University supports the education and preparation of informed, skilled individuals to participate in the resolution of environmental conflicts and in the larger environmental debates critical to our future. Participation in environmental decision-making and intervention may focus on conservation, management of natural systems, development of institutional frameworks, public participation, communication, environmental education or research.
The Carleton Advantage
Carleton University has unique advantages including its location in the national capital region, between the Rideau River and the historic Rideau Canal. In addition to easy access to specialized national collections of environmental information and federal government departments, the Ottawa-Carleton region hosts numerous head offices for environmental non-governmental organizations and businesses. The environmental studies program actively supports the involvement of students in environmental work experience through placements in the practicum course offered in the fourth year of the Honours program. Students are encouraged to seek out volunteer opportunities with government and non- governmental environmental agencies relevant to their area of interest. They are also encouraged to develop their own perspectives and approaches to environmental questions.
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