GEOL 1335 - ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: AIR QUALITY

Minimum Credits: 3
Maximum Credits: 3
Pittsburgh has had a checkered past when it comes to air quality issues, and faces an uncertain future. Once known as "hell with the lid off" due to industrial emissions, Pittsburgh and its environs once had some of the worst air in the nation. In 1948, a noxious cloud killed 22 in nearby Donora and sickened thousands. But Pittsburgh also became one of the first American cities to pass legislation aimed at cleaning its air. Today it faces a new threat from emissions from coal-burning utilities in Ohio and west Virginia. This course is one in a series that focuses on the history, progress and current events of environmental issues in southwestern Pennsylvania that also have application throughout the region and U.S. emphasis is on a balanced presentation of the issues, discussions of various approaches to solving problems and development of writing skills. To accomplish this, the course will (1) focus on a single environmental issue, (2) structure individual classes around a single aspect of that issue, (3) feature guest lectures and presentations by government regulators and policymakers, interest groups, corporate leaders and experts.
Academic Career: Undergraduate
Course Component: Lecture
Grade Component: LG/SNC Elective Basis
Course Requirements: PLAN: Environmental Geology (BS, BPH) or Environmental Studies (BA, BPH) or Geology (BS, BPH) or Environmental Science (BS)

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