(Re)Integrating the Economy and the Environment: Youth Considering a New Power Plant in Lansing, Michigan

• In Event: Roundtable Session 60
  In Roundtable Session: Political Participation and Community-Based Environmental Learning

Abstract

Despite widespread segregation of the economy and the environment in popular discourses, the two are inseparable. This paper examines the ideas of four youth from Lansing, MI, who studied their city’s proposal to build a new hybrid power plant. While quick, kneejerk economic and environmental arguments were accessible to the youth, they waded beyond popular sloganism into the complexities of the issue, showing an important ability to deliberate with scientific knowledge and community concern. In addition to arguing that all students need to learn about local matters like the building of their power plant, this paper challenges educators to take up the task of integrating economic and ecological study in pursuit of teaching for ecoliterate citizenship.

Authors

• Mark T Kissling, The Pennsylvania State University

• Angela Calabrese Barton, Michigan State University