Global Environmental Change

Global Environmental Change investigates the widespread and interconnected alterations shaping our planet’s climate, ecosystems, and societies. This course analyzes the causes, processes, and consequences of large-scale environmental shifts—ranging from biodiversity loss and deforestation to pollution, changing land use patterns, and climate change. Students will explore how natural forces and human activities interact to drive environmental transformations, consider the social and economic factors that accelerate or mitigate these changes, and assess the implications for global governance, resource management, and human well-being.
By combining scientific evidence, policy analysis, and case studies from different regions, learners will develop a holistic understanding of the complex feedback loops that link environmental, economic, and cultural systems. They will learn to interpret data from ecological surveys, climate models, and socioeconomic indicators, using these insights to propose strategies that foster resilience, equity, and sustainability. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to critically engage in debates, conduct informed analyses, and advocate for policies that guide our world toward a more stable and just environmental future.