Climate Change & Health: Infections and Inequalities

This course examines the connections between people, animals, plants and their shared environment to highlight the influence of climate change on infectious disease and its disproportionate effect on impoverished communities. During the course, we will spotlight a several infectious diseases (HIV, Rabies, Ebola, Chagas), exploring their history, pathophysiology and geographic spread. We will discuss how climate change has influenced ecosystems, causing shifts in transmission and creating new challenges for treatment. We will use a biosocial approach to understanding how and why these changes disproportionately affect impoverished communities. You will learn using podcast episodes, news articles, research studies and documentaries. Several guest speakers will supplement course materials and guide activities. This course offers the opportunity to learn about climate change & health using a One Health and biosocial approach.