Prof. Peter B. deMenocal

Climate & Society: Case Studies

EESC 1003: This course explores the interface between science and society in the study of environmental risks and risk management.

Developed for first- and second-year undergraduates, the course investigates the complex - but increasingly relevant - interactions between the scientific enterprise, which quantifies and monitors climate change, and political entities which seek to mitigate socioeconomic risks resulting from climate changes.

The course focuses on three case study examples - ozone depletion, El Niño, and global warming. In each example, lectures on the scientific principles and observations that define the environmental hazard are followed by discussion of the development and implementation of environmental policies to mitigate risk. World population trends, demography, resource economics, and global environmental policy are also discussed.

Course format: Bi-weekly lectures are team taught by scientists, economists, and social scientists who have contributed to solutions to these global problems. Small teams of students will each produce final online poster presentations of self-selected examples of science-society interactions.

Mondays and Wednesdays • 4:10-5:25 PM • 309 Havemeyer

Course credit: 3 points (qualifies for science requirement). Register for this course

Updated: October 12, 2007