Environmental Law and Sustainability: Core Principles
1.1 What is Environment?
The word “environment” derives from the ancient French word “environner,” meaning to encircle. It refers to all surrounding conditions — natural, social, and cultural — that influence life.
Section 2(a) — Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Environment means and includes:
- Water, Air, and Land
- The inter-relationship which exists among and between water, air, and land
- The inter-relationship which exists among and between water, air, land, human beings, other living creatures,
3 pillars of negotiation
Lecture 1: The Individual at the Heart of Global Issues
This lecture defines our modern world through the lens of interdependence and the multi-dimensional nature of globalization.
Definition of Globalization: A complex process of increasing integration of economies, cultures, and societies characterized by a rise in trade, financial flows, and transnational communication.
The Butterfly Effect: Interdependence means a factory closure in China can empty shops in France.
The 4 Pillars of Economic Globalization:
Read MoreJacksonian Democracy and 19th Century Political Shifts
Key Milestones in 19th Century American History
- 1820 – Missouri Compromise: Admits Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state; temporarily eases sectional tensions.
- 1823 – Monroe Doctrine: Declares European nations should not interfere in the Americas; establishes U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere.
- Era of Good Feelings (1817–1825): A time of political unity under one major party; ends as divisions grow and new political parties form.
- Election of 1824: Andrew Jackson wins the popular
How do computers affect the way you spend your free time
Nowadays, social media plays an important role in our daily lives. Many people use it to communicate and share information. However, it has both advantages and disadvantages./On the one hand, social media allows people to stay in touch with friends and family easily.
Moreover, it is a useful tool to share ideas, learn new things and even find job opportunities. Many businesses use it to promote their products./On the other hand, social media can also have negative effects. One of the main problems
Modern Sociological Challenges and Global Governance
1. Risk Society — Ulrich Beck (SDG 13)
We produce risks as a side effect of progress. Modernization no longer guarantees safety; it creates new systemic dangers. Global risks cannot be solved by national governments alone.
2. Precarity — Judith Butler / Guy Standing (SDG 8)
Precarity is a new form of social regulation under neoliberalism. It prevents individuals from planning a future or exercising full citizenship. The “precariat” is a growing class without stability, rights, or representation.
Read MoreUnderstanding Systems of Government and Political Dynamics
Systems of Government
Governments are classified into three types based on who rules: autocracy, oligarchy, and democracy.
- Autocracy: Rule by one person, such as a monarch or dictator.
- Oligarchy: Rule by a small group that gains power through wealth, military, or social position.
- Democracy: Rule by the people, which can be direct or representative.
This ancient classification no longer fully describes modern political life, as the same institutions can function very differently in different countries.
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