Duke University has introduced a new undergraduate course titled “Climate Change and Global Health,” led by Mark Janko, Ph.D. The course links climate change directly to health impacts, featuring practical lessons such as measuring trees for carbon storage. It invites students from diverse academic backgrounds to explore solutions for climate-related health challenges and emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address these global issues.
In January, approximately 20 Duke University students participated in a field exercise as part of the new course “Climate Change and Global Health” taught by Mark Janko, Ph.D. Clad in warm clothing, the students measured tree trunks to assess their carbon storage capabilities, learning explicitly how these trees contribute to offsetting personal carbon footprints. For instance, one student discovered a young tree could counteract the carbon emitted during a 10-minute shower, while another’s wide tree absorbed the equivalent of emissions from a 10-day cruise.
This course, offered for the first time this semester, seeks to connect climate change to human health, elucidating the implications of changing weather patterns on well-being. It is part of Duke’s Climate Commitment initiative and targets undergraduates from various disciplines, making it the first course at Duke focused on health impacts stemming from climate change. Janko emphasizes the necessity for students to grasp the human factors contributing to climate change and recognize its extensive health repercussions.
With a background in geography and biostatistics, Janko draws on over ten years of experience studying environmental transformations in diverse ecosystems such as the Amazon rainforest and Madagascar. His research indicates that deforestation elevates disease risks, illustrating the interconnectedness of ecological disruption and human health. He asserts that current climate changes risk reaching a point of irreversibility.
Janko identifies climate change as a crucial challenge for future generations, advocating for an interdisciplinary education that incorporates various fields of study related to earth systems and health outcomes. He articulates that comprehending the interaction between human actions and earth systems is essential for addressing health impacts caused by climate alterations.
The course progresses from exploring the effects of climate change on the environment to encouraging students to devise actionable solutions. By integrating policy and community perspectives, students will be equipped to consider fundamental human needs and strategies to maintain a balance within a “safe operating space.” Janko aims for them to depart with informed perspectives ready to engage with complex climate issues in civic decision-making and their future careers.
Mark Janko’s course on “Climate Change and Global Health” at Duke University is a pioneering initiative that connects climate issues with public health awareness. It fosters interdisciplinary engagement among students, equipping them with knowledge and tools to address climate-related health challenges. Through field studies and policy discussions, students understand their roles in combatting climate change and promoting sustainability within society. Overall, the course represents a critical contribution to environmental education and public health advocacy.
Original Source: globalhealth.duke.edu
