Global Environmental Problems: Surveying the Human Footprint from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

This course will provide students with a deeper understanding of anthropogenic influences on earth.
By the end of this course, students will be able to identify major causes of climate change.

By the end of this course, students will be able to identify potential solutions to problems we are collectively facing, this century.

This course will provide students with a deeper understanding of anthropogenic influences on earth.
By the end of this course, students will be able to identify major causes of climate change.
By the end of this course, students will be able to identify potential solutions to problems we are collectively facing, this century.

Syllabus

An Introduction to Global Environmental Problems

This opening lecture will describe what geography is and why it provides an excellent platform in which to discuss global environmental problems.

This lecture examines Garrett Hardin's landmark 1968 essay, "Tragedy of the Commons," and identifies how it helps to put many of the discussions addressing global environmental problems in context.

Understanding Earth's Systems

This lecture will explore how Earth receives and distributes energy, as well as the role of the four subsystems and how they interact to create a natural order.

This lecture highlights the role of carbon and carbon cycles on Earth and discusses the "natural state" of ecosystems and biodiversity on the planet.

Humans and Land-use Change

This lecture will examine how human population increase has contributed to environmental problems, as well as how uneven development has given environmental problems two faces.

This lecture illuminates the scale of agriculture on the planet surface, while discussing the environmental impacts of such activities, both in developed and developing nations.

This lecture discusses Earth's forest resources and how the reduction of these wooded regions, particularly in the tropics, can and had contributed to global climate problems.

This lecture discussed the urban realm and how it is the epicenter of human activity, creates microclimates, and continues to impact surrounding natural ecosystems.

The Human Footprint

This presentation highlights some important aspects of anthropogenic pollution, its causes, and what sources contribute to surplus atmospheric carbon.

This lecture briefly explores that various types of waste, waste paradigms, and environmental issues associated with waste.

This presentation explores various angles of mining, from what is mined to extraction methods and their side-effects, as well as laws.

This presentation outlines the various kinds of fossil fuels used for conventional energy, distinguishes power energy from mobility energy, and highlights the environmental concerns with fossil fuel dependence.

This lecture addresses the myriad of concerns around climate change, discusses some of the basic issues, and sheds light on some of the arguments against global warming.

Conclusion

This presentation returns to the initial discussion of the Tragedy of the Commons and summarizes how you can use this information to improve our world.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides foundational knowledge in how humans influence the Earth's environment

Examines geographical dimensions of global environmental issues, which is useful for those in geography or environmental science

Offers practical examples of the human footprint, which are beneficial for learning about real-world applications

May be useful for those interested in solutions to environmental problems

Facilitates understanding of climate change causes and potential solutions, which is valuable for those concerned about climate change

Provides a comprehensive view of human impact on the environment, which aids in developing a robust understanding

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 Global Environmental Problems: Surveying the Human Footprint with these activities:

Review Environmental Science Concepts

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Establish a strong foundation and context for understanding the course materials.

Browse courses on Environmental Science

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Review notes and textbooks from previous courses
Participate in online forums and discussion groups

Read "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" by Elizabeth Kolbert

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Expand understanding of human impacts on biodiversity and the concept of the Anthropocene.

View The Sixth Extinction (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read the book and take notes

Explore Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

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Enhance understanding of spatial dimensions and analysis techniques used in environmental studies.

Browse courses on GIS

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Enroll in online tutorials or workshops
Follow step-by-step guides and practice exercises

Five other activities

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Form a Study Group for Course Collaboration

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Enhance understanding through group discussions, peer feedback, and shared resources.

Browse courses on Collaborative Learning

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Recruit classmates to form a study group
Set regular meeting times and discuss course materials

Analyze Environmental Data and Trends

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Develop analytical skills and practice interpreting environmental data.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Access online data repositories and databases
Use statistical software to perform calculations and generate visualizations

Attend a Conference on Environmental Sustainability

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Engage with experts, learn about cutting-edge research, and expand professional network.

Browse courses on Green Technology

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Research and identify relevant conferences
Register for the conference
Attend presentations, workshops, and networking events

Develop a Research Proposal on a Human Influence on the Environment

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Apply course concepts to a specific research project, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Browse courses on Research Methods

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Identify a research topic and develop a hypothesis
Design a methodology and data collection plan
Write a research proposal and present it for feedback

Contribute to Environmental Data Management Projects

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Gain practical experience in environmental data management while contributing to open-source projects.

Browse courses on Open Data

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Identify open-source environmental data management projects
Join the project team and contribute code or documentation

Career center

Learners who complete Global Environmental Problems: Surveying the Human Footprint will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts develop and implement policies to protect the environment. A deep understanding of the human footprint on the environment is essential for this work, as is an understanding of the political and economic factors that influence environmental policy. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the major environmental issues facing our planet, as well as the policy tools that can be used to address them. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the fight to protect our environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists play an important role in solving environmental problems, and an understanding of the human footprint on the environment is essential for this work. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the major environmental issues facing our planet, including climate change, pollution, and land-use change. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the fight to protect our environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. A deep understanding of the human footprint on the environment is essential for this work, as is an understanding of the engineering principles that can be used to solve environmental problems. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the major environmental issues facing our planet, as well as the engineering tools that can be used to address them. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the fight to protect our environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement strategies to make organizations more sustainable. A deep understanding of the human footprint on the environment is essential for this work, as is an understanding of the business principles that can be used to promote sustainability. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the major environmental issues facing our planet, as well as the business tools that can be used to address them. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the fight to protect our environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Conservation Biologist

Conservation Biologists work to protect endangered species and their habitats. An understanding of the human footprint on the environment is essential for this work, as is an understanding of the ecological principles that can be used to conserve biodiversity. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the major environmental issues facing our planet, as well as the ecological tools that can be used to address them. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the fight to protect our environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Biologist

Climate Scientist

Climate Scientists study the Earth's climate system and make predictions about how it will change in the future. An understanding of the human footprint on the environment is essential for this work, as is an understanding of the complex interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, and land. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the major environmental issues facing our planet, as well as the scientific tools that can be used to study climate change. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the fight to protect our environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Scientist

Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers represent clients in environmental cases. A deep understanding of the human footprint on the environment is essential for this work, as is an understanding of the legal principles that can be used to protect the environment. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the major environmental issues facing our planet, as well as the legal tools that can be used to address them. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the fight to protect our environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer

Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's surface and its human and natural features. An understanding of the human footprint on the environment is essential for this work, as is an understanding of the spatial relationships between environmental phenomena. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the major environmental issues facing our planet, as well as the geographic tools that can be used to address them. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the fight to protect our environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer

Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental Health Scientists study the effects of environmental pollution on human health. A deep understanding of the human footprint on the environment is essential for this work, as is an understanding of the health risks associated with pollution. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the major environmental issues facing our planet, as well as the health tools that can be used to address them. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the fight to protect our environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Scientist

Urban Planner

Urban Planners design and implement plans for the development of cities and towns. An understanding of the human footprint on the environment is essential for this work, as is an understanding of the social and economic factors that influence urban development. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the major environmental issues facing our planet, as well as the planning tools that can be used to address them. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the fight to protect our environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Teacher

Teachers educate students about a variety of subjects, including environmental science. An understanding of the human footprint on the environment is essential for this work, as is an understanding of the principles of pedagogy. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the major environmental issues facing our planet, as well as the teaching tools that can be used to address them. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the fight to protect our environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Environmental Activist

Environmental Activists work to raise awareness of environmental issues and advocate for policies to protect the environment. An understanding of the human footprint on the environment is essential for this work, as is an understanding of the principles of activism. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the major environmental issues facing our planet, as well as the activist tools that can be used to address them. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the fight to protect our environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Activist

Journalist

Journalists write and report on news stories, including stories about environmental issues. An understanding of the human footprint on the environment is essential for this work, as is an understanding of the principles of journalism. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the major environmental issues facing our planet, as well as the journalistic tools that can be used to address them. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the fight to protect our environment.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide advice to businesses and organizations on environmental issues. An understanding of the human footprint on the environment is essential for this work, as is an understanding of the business and legal aspects of environmental regulation. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the major environmental issues facing our planet, as well as the consulting tools that can be used to address them. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the fight to protect our environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Sustainability Analyst

Sustainability Analysts assess the environmental and social performance of organizations. An understanding of the human footprint on the environment is essential for this work, as is an understanding of the principles of sustainability. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the major environmental issues facing our planet, as well as the analytical tools that can be used to address them. By taking this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference in the fight to protect our environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Analyst