CEM 405- Global Environmental Change And Human Health (Previously ENH 404)

The main purpose of the course is to give the student an understanding of the fundamental interrelationships between global environmental change and human health. The student will study the natural science underlying the various global environmental issues, examine links between different aspects of environmental change and particular health outcomes, and explore the causal pathways. Causation can often be complex, as health effects are often indirect, transferred in space or time, and contingent on mediating factors. The theme of vulnerability will be used to show how, in different parts of the world, populations face greater risk of adverse health impacts. Information on the actions and policies needed to address the health consequences of global environmental change will be presented throughout the modules. Although global environmental change could have some positive health effects in future, the majority of impacts are predicted to be negative. Accordingly, the course aims to instil in students the knowledge and awareness of the health implications of global environmental change that could spur wider efforts towards global sustainability.

By the end of this course, the student should be able to:

• Understand why global environmental change matters to human health
• Comprehend the basic science behind global environmental change, especially the anthropogenic driving forces
• Connect the different global environmental issues with specific health outcomes
• Grasp the often complex nature of causation, which includes direct and indirect pathways
• Describe several case studies related to environmental change and human health from different parts of the world
• Appreciate that segments of the human population are more vulnerable than others to adverse health impacts
• Know about key organizations, in Canada and the global context, concerned with global environmental change and human health
• Understand various policy and action-oriented approaches to move towards global environmental sustainability and improved health prospects

The course examines the human health effects of global environmental change, including climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, degradation of freshwater and oceans, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and urbanization. Utilizing a broad concept of health, the course focuses on the causal pathways between environmental change and health, the scope of health impacts worldwide, and policy approaches required to address threats to health.

Global environmental change is increasingly altering the planet’s life-support systems and various ecosystems, a process that has profound importance for human and non-human species. From the human perspective, environmental change has implications for economic productivity, social stability, and the health and well-being of all. The focus of CEM 405 is the health dimensions of contemporary global environmental change. Course content is primarily concerned with anthropogenic transformation of natural systems and, to a lesser extent, the impact of the built environment. Starting from a broad framework of health, the course examines the multiplicity of health effects associated with changes to the major planetary components of atmosphere, water, land, and biodiversity. The causal pathways, which are often complex, are investigated. Further, the course addresses what actions and policies are required to ensure global environmental sustainability and thereby benefit human health in future. Course material, examples, and case studies are drawn from many different parts of the world, including developed and developing countries.