Social Enterprise and Global Threats: the case of plastic pollution

In the last 20 years alone, the world has consumed more plastic than the entire 20th century. Global plastic production has exploded, resulting in visible accumulations of plastic trash, a constant reminder of market failures in recycling, materials, manufacturing and design.Plastic pollution is a crisis in global governance, a market failure, a technological challenge, and a social justice issue. This class will examine the social enterprise as an emerging model for addressing urgent global threats by engaging innovation, entrepreneurship, impact investment, transformative public policy and civil society. Plastic pollution is viewed as an innovation opportunity with untapped investment potential. The model can be applied to any pressing social or environmental issue.