How do political issues shape environmental quality in the Global South? Why have some governments been more successful in reducing environmental degradation than others? How do climate change and other forms of environmentaldegradation impact local communities? In this course, we explore the causesand impacts of environmental degradation, with emphasis on their unequal distribution across and within countries. We also analyze the political obstacles and opportunities to implement successful and equitable environmental policies. Topics include the energy transition, air and water pollution, land use and deforestation, the impact of extractive industries, and environmental justice.