Human Evolution, Human Health, and Climate Change

How and why did climate change influence how humans evolved to be the way we are, and what are the implications of our evolutionary history for human health in a post-industrial world? In addition, how did human activities drive and continue to influence climate change with major impacts on human health? To tackle these important issues, this course reviews the story of how humans evolved through a series of major transitions starting with our divergence from the apes continuing to the present day. At the same time, we explore how the earth’s climate has changed over the course of human evolution, driving these transitions, which in turn have major effects on human health. Finally, we will explore the feedback loop between climate change, health, and the future of our species and planet.