Abstract
This module provides students with a broad overview of the human dimensions
of global environmental change and its implications for the future.
The complexity of global change is reduced to four basic and interactive
parts: human actions that initiate changes in the structure and operation
of the biosphere; the consequences of these actions on terrestrial ecology;
the combined effects of the two on global climate; and human responses
to global change, with a focus on climate change. Global environmental
change is thus linked by the human, natural, and policy sciences. The module
activities draw out the linkages and the human components of the topic
and also raise broader questions about the concept of global change as
a whole
General Module Objectives
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To provide an introduction to the problem and study of global environmental
change
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To demonstrate the complexity of global environmental change and its origins
in society and nature
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To demonstrate the interconnections of the basic human and natural components
of global environmental change
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To involve students in activities that demonstrate the complexity and interconnectivity
of the subject and its basic components
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To illustrate the extent to which students may affect and be affected by
aspects of global environmental change
Skills
Students will acquire the following skills:
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plotting bivariate data
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reading maps
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interpreting bivariate data
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critical reading and interpretation of data and policy responses
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interpreting satellite imagery
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analyzing and interpreting maps
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creative writing
Activities
The types of activities in this module designed for individuals, small
groups, and/or the entire class include:
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role plays/simulations
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group discussions
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quantitative data analysis/interpretation
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map/image interpretation
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creative writing
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qualitative data interpretation (including film, interviews, photos, diaries)
debates
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Material Requirements
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Student Worksheets (provided)
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Suggested Readings (some provided)
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Satellite and GIS images (provided)
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Graph paper
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Repeat photography (optional)
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Access to the World Wide Web (optional)
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Films (optional)
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World atlas
Human Dimensions of Global Change Concepts
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Global environmental change
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Biosphere
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Human driving forces and responses
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Terrestrial change
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Climate change
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Connectivity and complexity
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Transformation of the Earth
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Vulnerability
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Uncertainty
Geography Concepts
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Human-environment relationships
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Spatial relationships
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Spatial scale
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Earth system processes
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Place
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Climate
Time requirements
5-7 class days, plus additional time for students to complete homework
assignments. There is reasonable flexibility in choosing activities and
options in order to meet class size and/or time demands.
Difficulty
Introductory to intermediate. Most of the activities contain options
that allow you to adapt the activity to the needs and skill level of your
class. Because this is an introductory and overview module, some
of the activities are written for students who have little to no experience
with the subject of global environmental change. These specific activities
have options that allow you to make them more challenging for students
with more experience in the subject matter.
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