EDS261 Global Environmental Changes - Seminars

The course is a series of seminars that cover topics related to anthropogenic global environmental changes: Introduction to earth system science and global change, anthropogenic global change (systemic and cumulative), land degradation, ecosystem processes, potential impacts of climate change on food and agricultural systems, climate change impacts on biodiversity, linkages of global environmental issues, global responses and local actions, carbon sequestration, land degradation, global water/glacier melting issues, conventions on desertification, conventions on biodiversity, and transformation in a changing climate.

Each seminar corresponds with a topic taught in the course EDS260 Global Environmental Changes. EDS261 should be taken in combination with EDS260.

Knowledge:

The student is able to describe/explain and reflect

• anthropogenic influences in the Earth system, and global change including ecosystem processes relating to climate change, land degradation, emission of greenhouse gases and their individual as well as aggregated impacts
• key issues related to major global change at various contexts covering climate change, land degradation, soil and carbon sequestration, biological diversity, and food production
• life cycle assessment, pathways for agriculture production, relevant international conventions and agreements
• reflective/contemplative practice and prospects of sustainable future and concept of transformation in a changing climate/environment

Skills:

The student is able to

• engage in thinking about anthropogenic influences in the Earth system
• apply scientific knowledge to understand real-world problems
• engage in academic discussion around environmental issues

General competence:

The student has a general overview and understanding of major global environmental challenges.