Our contemporary environmental crises do not operate in a political vacuum. Though efforts are made at all levels of society to address environmental issues, all levels of government and modes of governance face competing demands and influences. This course begins to unpack the various power centres at which environmental issues are governed – both formally and informally. Students will learn about conventional sites of state-based government and the roles of intergovernmental organizations and agencies. Students will also learn about informal governance, private governance and the role of non-state actors. Students will develop a sense of the various political interests that influence global environmental governance and the challenges to enacting effective environmental governance.