BIOL 409 Global Change Biology

Global Change Biology considers interactions between humans and living systems, and the consequences for environmental change, past, present, and future. Major issues are addressed including habitat loss, globalization of biodiversity, ecosystem collapse, agricultural degradation of soil and water, marine resource depletion and climate change. Students practice environmental monitoring skills, consider case studies on global change manifest at the local level and develop strategies for adaptation and mitigation to address future global conditions. Traditional ecological knowledge systems will be introduced in context to their enhancement of western conservation and sustainability initiatives.