Human Health and Global Environmental Change

Human activity is changing the atmosphere and altering terrestrial marine ecosystems on a global scale. Evidence is mounting that these changes may already be having serious effects on human health, and there is growing concern that in coming decades the effects could be catastrophic. This course was developed because the practice of public health in this century will require an understanding of the relationship between human health and the global environment. It will provide an overview of climate change and biodiversity loss, two key examples of global environmental change, their potential consequences for human health, and explore solutions to these problems and the challenges inherent in realizing those solutions. The course will be open to all students at Harvard University, but enrollment is limited and preference will be given to students from Harvard Medical School, the Harvard School of Public Health, the Kennedy School of government, and to undergraduate Environmental Science Public Policy majors.The course is jointly offered with Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Extension School. Students from these schools, and other schools, will also be part of the class. **Cross-Registrants and Non-Degree Students will be enrolled on a space available basis after the enrollment deadline for the course. Course Requirements: Students outside of HSPH must request instructor permission to enroll in this course. THIS CLASS HAS PRIORITY ENROLLMENT. Any student who does not meet the Wave 1 or Wave 2 criteria can add themselves to the waitlist (if enrollment requirements are met) at any time during the enrollment period. At the beginning of each priority wave, students on the waitlist who meet the Wave’s criteria will be automatically enrolled into any remaining seats in the course (pending no time conflicts)