Objectives and method
- To recognize that planetary homeostasis is vital to the survival of the human species and at the same time is endangered by human activity.
- To understand the basic operating principles of the various environmental compartments, globally and individually, and identify threats and trends that undermine their integrity.
- To explore the alternatives, opportunities and major threats in the near and immediate future that will shape society's evolution.
- To address the political, economic, social, intergenerational and developmental ramifications that arise as a result of each collective choice (and non-choice).
- To find the convergence in the apparent urgency disparity in order to prioritize measures where the snowball effect triggers a more beneficial outcome with fewer side effects.
- To ponder the reasons for the difficulty in generating positive change in a timely manner.
The curricular unit focuses on lectures (mostly expository) that are articulated with moments of analysis and debate around texts (participatory methodology) and sessions where invited speakers enrich the learning experience with viewpoints where the complexity of the subject matter is highlighted and deepened (problem centered approach).
Syllabus
The environment, humans and survival through sustainability
Biodiversity, conservation and species extinction (both terrestrial and aquatic)
Ecosystems and ecosystem services
Human population vs. the environment: the big picture
Basic principles of toxicology
Water resources and water pollution
Mineral resources and solid waste
Energy: renewable, nonrenewable and negative consumption
Atmosphere, pollution and climate change
Food production and the future of agriculture
