Climate Change
Climate Change and the Environment
Course Description
Climate change is among the top environmental challenges facing society today. It has the potential to jeopardize the collective investments we have made in land and water conservation during the history of the conservation movement. The science is clear: Greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere are higher today than they have been during the last 800,000 years. And we know that as greenhouse gas levels rise, so do temperatures. Statistical analyses show that temperatures in our area, the upper Midwest have increased by up to one degree during the past 100 years. The temperature trend increase is anticipated to continue through this century before any potential successes in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions begin to stabilize the climate system.
Unfortunately, climate change tends to outpace the ability of many native plants and animals to adapt in place or migrate. As a result, some species may face extinction, particularly those with limited ranges or limited ability to move across fragmented landscapes. Also, rapid climate change has the potential to disrupt many of the services that healthy ecosystems provide to human society, such as flood reduction and clean water supply. The objective of this course is to provide an understanding of the patterns, drivers and consequences of climate change in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and the impacts on human society.
Expected Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course the student should have a strong understanding of the patterns, processes and consequences of the past and future in terms of climate change. The student should also appreciate the impacts climate change has had and may have on the environment, terrestrial, aquatic and the human environment. The student should also be able to think critically to evaluate literature and arguments, especially when faced with uncertainty and scientific disagreement; to more effectively communicate orally in small groups of peers and in scientific writing; and to develop an appreciation for the complex relationship between science, management and regulation.
