Gradual environmental change and extreme environmental events have a tremendous impact on human mobility. These forms of environmental degradation put at risk the inhabitants of coastal regions, low lying islands, and areas susceptible to drought, and can result in mass displacement. This course considers and evaluates these challenges through an interdisciplinary perspective that merges environmental and development anthropology, international development and policy. We deal in depth with patterns of social inequality and migration affected by environmental challenges, exposing the uneven distribution of climate change impacts, which can induce growth deficits and unsustainability traps. Drawing on decolonial theory and critical Indigenous studies, we think through the continued presence of colonial logics, but also consider emergent futures that place local knowledge at the center of our understanding. Students will also have the opportunity for involvement with local environmental groups, studying how ecosystems are changing in Manhattan’s boroughs. The overall aim of this course is to gain familiarity with debates that link the environment and development, advancing engaged practice inspired by the communities with which we work. For Anthropology majors this course satisfies requirments in Writing or Doing.