Duke University Introduces New Course Linking Climate Change to Global Health

Duke University has launched a new course titled “Climate Change and Global Health,” led by Dr. Mark Janko. The course offers students hands-on experience in understanding carbon footprints through tree measurement activities. It aims to educate students about the effects of climate change on human health and promote interdisciplinary learning. The course draws students from various majors and culminates in the development of strategies for addressing climate-related challenges.

On a cold January morning, approximately 20 students from Duke’s Reuben-Cooke Building engaged in fieldwork, measuring tree trunks in a designated area. Using a slender rope, they recorded the circumference of various trees and referred to a ruler that helped estimate carbon storage. One student noted that a young tree offset the carbon footprint of a 10-minute shower, while a more established tree equated to carbon savings from a 10-day cruise.

Mark Janko, Ph.D., an assistant professor of global health, emphasized the connection between personal daily activities and overall carbon footprints. This hands-on experience was part of Janko’s new course titled “Climate Change and Global Health,” which aims to educate undergraduate students about climate change drivers and their implications for human health.

The course, inspired by Duke’s Climate Commitment initiative, welcomed students from diverse majors, including Spanish, psychology, and biology. This is the first Duke offering specifically focused on the health impacts of climate change, aligning with the objectives of the Duke Global Health Institute’s climate strategy.

According to Dr. Janko, there has not been a similar undergraduate course previously. He aims to cater to students who exhibit curiosity towards climate change and desire a deeper understanding of the reasons behind this phenomenon. Janko possesses a solid research background in the environmental effects of climate change, having studied various ecosystems including the Amazon rainforest and their degradation.

Janko asserts that climate change represents one of humanity’s greatest future challenges, thus underscoring the importance of an interdisciplinary education to adapt to its effects. He stresses the need for students to comprehend how human activities impact Earth’s systems and how these alterations subsequently affect human health.

As the semester progresses, the course investigates climate change’s effects on the global environment, culminating in student-led solutions that draw from policy and community perspectives. “I want them to leave Duke and be able to communicate about these complex issues as informed citizens, either when they vote or in their future careers,” Janko stated.

Overall, students are immersed in critical discussions about maintaining humanity within a ‘safe operating space’ amidst climate challenges, preparing them for active engagement in global health and environmental issues.

In summary, Duke University has introduced a pioneering course on climate change and its effects on global health, emphasizing interdisciplinary education. The course aims to foster awareness among undergraduate students regarding their individual carbon footprints and the broader implications of climate change. Dr. Mark Janko’s teachings encourage students to explore solutions while engaging in discussions essential for becoming informed future citizens.

Original Source: globalhealth.duke.edu