Global Issues, Local Approaches: Colonialism, Public Health, and Climate Change in Puerto Rico

3 Credits

Students will explore the intersections of culture, politics, and climate change in Puerto Rico's Caribbean archipelago and how local actors and community-led movements address these challenges. Through lectures, site visits, and hands-on service projects, students will focus on Puerto Rico as a case study to explore local approaches to critically claim more vital institutions, promote sustainable practices, and implement climate action solutions. The program will highlight the island's activism by engaging with local scholars, community leaders, and organizations tackling issues such as climate change, disaster recovery, renewable energy, and public health inequities. By critically analyzing these themes and participating in collaborative service projects, students will gain a multidisciplinary understanding of Puerto Rico's past and present while reflecting on global sustainability and social justice issues.