Increasingly, millions of human-initiated and natural activities are altering our planet. Over the past century, through our ever-increasing population and mastery of technology, we have been changing our planet’s environment at a pace unknown in Earth’s natural history.
In 'Climate Change and Sustainability: Environmental Challenges of the 21st Century' students will study the impacts of modern human society on land, ice, freshwater, ocean, atmosphere, ecosystems, resources, and human well-being. We will also consider practical, local, and every-day considerations relevant to a sustainable human future.
In the lab portion of the course, small-group discussions and analysis of spatial data, utilizing ArcGIS software, are used to investigate the role and impacts of change, toward developing mitigation and adaptation strategies.
In addition, as part of the hands-on component of the course, students are asked to take a pledge throughout the semester that would make their lifestyle more sustainable. We will analyze the impact that each individual change could make in our journey toward sustainability and reflect on how to advocate for those changes to take place.
Students will be able to enroll in a 2-week extension at the UofM Biological Station in August. This unique experience will enhance the subjects discussed in class with basic field-work, field trips, and discussions with on-site researchers and experts, and count as practical experience for PitE students.
Course Requirements:
Grading will be based on three hour-long exams (20% each) based on the lecture material (students can take a total of 4 exams and the lowest scoring exam gets dropped), labs (some discussion based and some ArcGIS based) (30%), and the weekly work on the sustainability pledge (10%).
Class attendance is required for both lecture and labs.
Intended Audience:
This course is intended for undergraduate students interested in exploring Earth's climate and the issues and challenges related to creating a sustainable society and planet.
Class Format:
The lecture portion of the class meets for 1.5 hours twice weekly. Labs meet weekly for 2 hours. GSIs teach the labs and assist in grading.