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Richard Neitzel
The third course of the Impacts of the Environment on Global Public Health specialization will introduce you to two major environmental health challenges facing the world today. The first is climate change –the preeminent threat to public health today, and a threat that will impact every human and ecosystem on the planet. We will evaluate the causes and impacts of climate change, as well as policies and approaches that can be used to reduce the impacts of climate change on human health. The second is sustainability, a concept that can be applied to reduce the impacts of human activities on the environment as well as human health. We will explore different sustainability frameworks, as well as the effects of different energy generation sources on the environment and public health.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/2par4g/climate
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What's inside
Syllabus
Week 1: Impacts of Climate Change
Welcome to Week 1! We start this week with an orientation to the course and our learning community. Then, we start our course by covering what is arguably the most important challenge facing humankind today: climate change. Let’s find out how climate change impacts our environment and what we can do about it in the Week 1 module.
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1: Impacts of Climate Change
Welcome to Week 1! We start this week with an orientation to the course and our learning community. Then, we start our course by covering what is arguably the most important challenge facing humankind today: climate change. Let’s find out how climate change impacts our environment and what we can do about it in the Week 1 module.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Covers variety of topics, including economic, social, and health implications of climate change
Taught by reputable experts in public health and environmental science
Provides hands-on experience in evaluating policies and regulations related to climate change and sustainability
Offers a multi-disciplinary perspective on climate change and sustainability
Explores real-world case studies and examples of climate change impacts and sustainability practices
Requires some prior knowledge of environmental science and public health
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Reviews summary
Essential climate and public health overview
According to learners, this course offers an essential and comprehensive overview of climate change, sustainability, and global public health. Many praise the clear, concise, and informative lectures, delivered by knowledgeable and passionate instructors, which effectively connect complex scientific concepts to real-world health implications. Students find the material to be incredibly current and relevant. While highly recommended for those new to the subject, some more experienced professionals may find the content lacks advanced depth. A recurring point of feedback centers on the peer-review assignment, which can be inconsistent in quality.
Lectures are clear, concise, and delivered by knowledgeable experts.
"I particularly appreciated how Professor R. connected complex scientific concepts to real-world health implications."
"The instructors are knowledgeable and passionate, making even dense topics engaging."
"Solid course overall. The lectures are clear and the subject matter is undeniably important."
Provides a crucial and up-to-date overview of climate change impacts.
"This course provided a fantastic overview of climate change's impacts on public health. The lectures were clear, concise, and incredibly informative."
"Absolutely essential course for understanding the current global health crisis. The modules are well-structured, building knowledge progressively."
"Phenomenal course! The material is incredibly current and relevant. The explanations of complex environmental health issues are simplified without losing scientific rigor."
Quality of peer assessments can be inconsistent and frustrating.
"The peer-review assignment was also a great way to consolidate learning, although it relies on the quality of other students."
"The peer grading system was hit or miss; some reviews I received were not very helpful."
"My main feedback would be on the peer assessment; it needs more clear rubrics or perhaps a TA review for consistency, as some peers don't fully engage."
"The peer review was frustrating, as I spent a lot of time reviewing others' work only to receive minimal feedback on my own."
Excellent for beginners, but potentially too high-level for experts.
"While the content is well-presented, I felt some areas could have been explored in more depth, especially the policy frameworks."
"It's excellent for those new to the subject, but perhaps a bit general for someone with a background in environmental science."
"The course provides a decent introduction but it's quite basic... for professionals, it might lack the depth required."
"I expected more practical tools and deeper analysis. It felt like a long introductory lecture rather than a comprehensive course."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Climate Change, Sustainability, and Global Public Health with these
activities:
Review X
Show steps
Covers the basics of X, which is a recurring theme throughout the course
Show steps
-
Read the book
Test X Knowledge
Show steps
Reviews important concepts from X to improve retention
Show steps
-
Take practice quizzes
-
Review practice questions and answers
X Presentation
Show steps
Requires students to apply their X knowledge and develop their presentation skills
Show steps
-
Research X
-
Create a presentation
-
Present to others
Show all three activities
Review X
Show steps
Covers the basics of X, which is a recurring theme throughout the course
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book
Test X Knowledge
Show steps
Reviews important concepts from X to improve retention
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Take practice quizzes
- Review practice questions and answers
X Presentation
Show steps
Requires students to apply their X knowledge and develop their presentation skills
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research X
- Create a presentation
- Present to others
Show all three activities
Career center
Learners who complete Climate Change, Sustainability, and Global Public Health will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analysts have a profound understanding of the causes and impacts of climate change. They develop and implement strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and help communities adapt to its challenges. This course provides a solid foundation in climate change science, policy, and sustainability, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this role.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analysts play a critical role in developing and implementing policies that protect the environment and public health. They analyze environmental issues, assess the potential impacts of policies, and recommend solutions. This course provides a comprehensive overview of environmental policy, climate change, and sustainability, providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this field.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for organizations. They identify opportunities to reduce environmental impacts, improve social responsibility, and enhance economic performance. This course provides a strong foundation in sustainability frameworks, energy generation, and climate change, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to drive sustainability initiatives in any organization.
Public Health Advocate
Public Health Advocate
Public Health Advocates work to improve the health and well-being of communities by addressing environmental and social factors that impact health. They develop and implement programs to promote healthy behaviors, prevent diseases, and ensure access to healthcare. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of climate change and sustainability on public health, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively advocate for policies and programs that protect public health.
Climate Scientist
Climate Scientist
Climate Scientists study the Earth's climate system to understand the causes and impacts of climate change. They collect and analyze data, develop models, and make predictions about future climate trends. This course provides a strong foundation in climate change science, including the causes, impacts, and potential solutions. It also covers sustainability and energy generation, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution control, water treatment, and waste management. They work to protect human health and the environment from the impacts of human activities. This course provides a strong foundation in environmental engineering principles, including the impacts of climate change and sustainability. It also covers energy generation and renewable energy sources, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Renewable Energy Project Developer
Renewable Energy Project Developer
Renewable Energy Project Developers identify, develop, and implement projects that generate electricity from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal. They work to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable energy practices. This course provides a strong foundation in renewable energy technologies, climate change, and sustainability. It also covers energy generation and project development, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants provide advice and support to organizations on environmental issues, including climate change, sustainability, and energy management. They help organizations comply with regulations, reduce environmental impacts, and improve their sustainability performance. This course provides a comprehensive overview of environmental consulting, climate change, and sustainability. It also covers energy generation and renewable energy sources, providing you with a strong foundation for success in this field.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of disease in populations. They work to identify risk factors and develop strategies to prevent and control diseases. This course provides a strong foundation in epidemiology, including the impacts of climate change and sustainability on public health. It also covers energy generation and renewable energy sources, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Conservation Scientist
Conservation Scientist
Conservation Scientists study the interactions between humans and the natural world to develop strategies for protecting and managing ecosystems. They work to conserve biodiversity, restore degraded habitats, and mitigate the impacts of human activities on the environment. This course provides a strong foundation in conservation science, including the impacts of climate change and sustainability. It also covers energy generation and renewable energy sources, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Water Resources Engineer
Water Resources Engineer
Water Resources Engineers design and manage water systems to meet human needs, such as water supply, irrigation, and flood control. They work to ensure the availability of clean water and protect water resources from pollution and degradation. This course provides a strong foundation in water resources engineering, including the impacts of climate change and sustainability. It also covers energy generation and renewable energy sources, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers specialize in the laws and regulations that protect the environment and public health. They represent clients in legal proceedings, advise on environmental compliance, and advocate for environmental protection. This course provides a strong foundation in environmental law, including the impacts of climate change and sustainability. It also covers energy generation and renewable energy sources, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Waste Management Specialist
Waste Management Specialist
Waste Management Specialists develop and implement strategies to manage waste in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. They work to reduce waste generation, promote recycling, and dispose of waste properly. This course provides a strong foundation in waste management, including the impacts of climate change and sustainability. It also covers energy generation and renewable energy sources, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Environmental Activist
Environmental Activist
Environmental Activists work to raise awareness about environmental issues and advocate for policies that protect the environment. They organize campaigns, lobby governments, and engage the public to promote environmental protection. This course provides a strong foundation in environmental activism, including the impacts of climate change and sustainability. It also covers energy generation and renewable energy sources, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Environmental Educator
Environmental Educator
Environmental Educators develop and deliver educational programs about the environment and sustainability. They work in schools, museums, nature centers, and other settings to teach people about the importance of protecting the environment. This course provides a strong foundation in environmental education, including the impacts of climate change and sustainability. It also covers energy generation and renewable energy sources, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the field.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/2par4g/climate
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Climate Change, Sustainability, and Global Public Health.
This report from the World Health Organization provides a comprehensive assessment of the health risks and impacts of climate change, as well as policy recommendations for mitigating these risks.
Provides a detailed examination of the health risks associated with climate change, including heat-related illness, extreme weather events, air pollution, and infectious diseases. It also discusses adaptation and mitigation strategies to reduce these risks.
Save
Provides a concise and accessible overview of sustainability, including its challenges and opportunities. It good starting point for students and general readers interested in learning more about this topic.
This report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change provides a comprehensive assessment of the scientific evidence for climate change, including its causes, impacts, and mitigation options.
This report from the European Environment Agency provides a comprehensive assessment of the health risks and impacts of climate change in Europe. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and policymakers interested in this topic.
Save
Provides a concise and accessible overview of sustainability, including its challenges and opportunities. It good starting point for students and general readers interested in learning more about this topic.
Provides a concise and accessible overview of climate change, including its causes, impacts, and mitigation options. It good starting point for students and general readers interested in learning more about this topic.
This report from the World Health Organization provides a concise and accessible overview of the health risks and impacts of climate change. It good starting point for students and general readers interested in learning more about this topic.
This article provides a concise and accessible overview of the health risks and impacts of climate change. It good starting point for students and general readers interested in learning more about this topic.
This article provides a concise and accessible overview of the health risks and impacts of climate change. It good starting point for students and general readers interested in learning more about this topic.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/2par4g/climate
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University of Michigan
Instructor
Richard Neitzel
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Impacts of the Environment on Global Public Health. It's comprised of four courses:
- Environmental Health: the Foundation of Global Public Health
- Climate Change, Sustainability, and Global Public Health (viewing)
- Environmental Hazards and Global Public Health
- Human Health Risks, Health Equity, and Environmental Justice
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