Covering Ecology and Environment

Issues relating to ecology and the environment have received reasonably good media coverage in the last decade. Environmental issues are closely linked to livelihood issues, especially of the poorer sections of society. Many developmental projects aimed at reducing the gap between the rich and the poor have brought more misery than benefit to the vulnerable sections of society.

It is becoming increasingly clear that the pressing problems of environmental degradation, regional and global poverty, and political tensions re inter-related. This course introduces students to both the problem and possible solutions.

The media have a vital role to play in raising awareness of issues of ecology, environment, development, and trade. Students will be introduced in this elective to the fundamentals of ecology and environment, national and international policies and law, conflicts between development and environment, the wildlife and natural resources of India, conflicts between livelihood rights and wildlife conservation, the WTO and the environment, and related issues. They will learn to cover issues of ecology, the environment, livelihood, and development in a fact-based, independent, and balanced way.