ENST 188 - Climate Change: A Global Challenge

Semester Offered: Spring
0.5 unit(s)

Oceans warming, sea level rising, more damaging storms, severe droughts, and widespread flooding, these are some of the notable effects of our changing climate. The loss of habitat and life on a planetary scale is unprecedented in modern times. Discussed as a “threat multiplier for global security” by the UN Security Council, climate change displaces populations and endangers international peace. The science of climate change has established a solid foundation that allows increasingly accurate forecasts of future events. Most of the uncertainty today lies in the human response. We react to environmental catastrophes with disaster aid, but can we plan effectively for our future safety? The course explores the connection between the science and the social costs of climate change. Each week we pair speakers to look at specific issues, such as how oceans are changing and the impact on coastal communities and small island nations, or how climate regulates ecosystems and its significance for agriculture and food production. Stuart Belli.

First six-week course.

One 2-hour period.