Environment and Global Changes
Objectives
1. To know Mans impact on the Environment; 2. To identify to the main environmental problems of the present and its consequences; 3. To characterize the main modifications of the environment and its evolution; 4. To perceive the relevance of the climate change in the Environment; 5. To relate Mans interference on the environment with the global changes; 6. To evaluate the implementation of adaptation and mitigation policies.
General characterization
Code
722041025
Credits
10.0
Responsible teacher
José Eduardo Silvério Ventura
Hours
Weekly - 3
Total - 280
Teaching language
Portuguese
Prerequisites
None.
Bibliography
Brown, L. R. (2006). Plan B 2.0: Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and Civilization in Trouble. Nova York: Earth Policy Intitute, pp. 3-40. Goudie, A. (2000). The Human Impact on the Natural Environment (5ª ed.). Oxford: Blackwell, pp. 1-36 e 419-433. Nordhaus, W. (2013). The Climate Casino: Risk, Uncertainty, and Economics for a Warming World. London: Yale University Press, pp.149-182. Pittock, A. B. (2005). Climate Change. Turning up the Heat. Londres: Earthscan. pp.133-206. Reid, H. (2014). Climate Change and Human Development. Londres: Zed Books, pp. 1- 17 e 223-250. Santos, F. D. (2012). Alterações Globais. Os desafios e os riscos presentes e futuros. Lisboa: Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos, pp 21-136 e 159-181. Schipper, E. L. F. & Burton, I. (eds.) (2009). Adaptation to climate change. London: Earthscan, pp. 1-89.
Teaching method
Teaching methodologies: Expositive and Participative.
Evaluation method
Available soon
Subject matter
1. Introduction to the main problem of the Environment and the global changes. 2. Evolution of the Mans intervention on the environment throughout the times. 3. Global character of the relation between Man and Environment in the present. 4. Main contemporarys problems with repercussions at global level: population growth, pressure on resources and climate change. 5. Mans Intervention on the biosphere and its consequences on vegetation, soils, water, atmosphere, morphology, agriculture, human health... 6. Climatic change, uncertainties, feedbacks, scenarios and its consequences. 7. Measures/policies of adaptation and mitigation.
Programs
Programs where the course is taught:
- area of specialisation in Environment and Natural Resources
- area of specialisation in Remote Detection and Geographic Information Systems
- area of specialisation in Planning and Territorial Organisation
- area of specialisation in Land and Development
- Master in Teaching Geography in the 3rd Cycle of Basic Education and in Secondary Education