Human Health Impacts of Environmental Change

3 units

This course examines the linkages between human health, environmental health, and the principles and practices of environmental systems sustainability. Promoting healthy environmental conditions through sustainable practices can improve the ability to sustain economies, health, and well-being. Conversely, undermining the health of ecosystems results in environmental conditions that can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and can spread infectious diseases. In this course, students explore the connection between environmental health and human health, bringing into focus unsustainable practices and sustainable alternatives that pave the way for meeting current and future needs. Topics include: environmental change, ecological footprints, environmental justice, climate change, infectious disease, ecosystem services, sustainable urban systems and urban ecology, and environmental systems restoration, among others.