Strange Bedfellows: Science and Environmental Policy
As taught in: Fall 2005
A diagram outlining the proposal for storage of nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain. (Image courtesy of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.)
Instructors:
Prof. Steve Meyer
Prof. Kip Hodges
MIT Course Number:
12.103
Level:
Undergraduate
Course Description
12.103 explores the role of scientific knowledge, discovery, method, and argument in environmental policymaking from both idealistic and realistic perspectives. The course will use case studies of science-intensive environmental controversies to study how science was used and abused in the policymaking process. Case studies include: global warming, biodiversity loss, and nuclear waste disposal siting. Subject includes intensive practice in the writing and presentation of "position statements" on environmental science issues.
