A reading by Jonathan T. Park, University of Utah, that discusses the link between climate change and capitalism. This reading discusses how consumer ideology in a capitalist society results in the overproduction and overconsumption of goods. It includes discussions on exploitation of natural resources, high energy expenditure, excess waste production and extensive environmental degradation due to pollution.

Students will learn how capitalist modes of production require large scale burning of fossil fuels to meet energy requirements that contribute towards global warming. They will also learn how the capitalist model can be modified for a sustainable future.