Duke University’s new course, “Climate Change and Global Health,” led by Dr. Mark Janko, offers students an interdisciplinary perspective on the health impacts of climate change. Through hands-on activities, students learn about carbon storage in trees and climate change’s broader consequences. Janko’s research background highlights the urgency of addressing climate issues, ultimately fostering informed citizens equipped to advocate for change.
In January, a group of approximately 20 students at Duke University participated in a hands-on learning experience outside their classroom. Dressed warmly, they gathered around trees to measure their trunks with ropes, exploring the relationship between trees and carbon storage. One student noted that a younger tree could offset the carbon produced from a 10-minute shower, while another tree’s carbon capture was equivalent to that of a lengthy cruise.
This practical exercise was part of Dr. Mark Janko’s inaugural course, “Climate Change and Global Health.” The course, primarily aimed at undergraduates, examines the causes of climate change and its effects on human health. It was developed following Duke’s Climate Commitment, which seeks to enhance awareness and research on climate-related issues. Notably, students from diverse fields such as economics and biology have enrolled, emphasizing its interdisciplinary appeal.
Dr. Janko has a robust background in environmental research, having studied critical ecological changes in the Amazon rainforest, Madagascar, and the Congo basin. His research highlights how environmental changes significantly impact ecosystems and human health. He warns that deforestation in the Amazon is approaching a tipping point, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness about climate change’s far-reaching consequences.
Janko argues that addressing climate change is paramount for humanity’s future and insists on equipping students with the interdisciplinary skills necessary for understanding its multifaceted impacts. He believes that effective advocacy requires expertise from numerous fields to tackle the intricate relationships between human activities and Earth’s systems.
Throughout the course, students investigate climate change and its environmental implications, culminating in solution-oriented projects that blend policy and community viewpoints. Dr. Janko aims for his students to cultivate an informed perspective, empowering them to engage with climate issues as responsible citizens in their future endeavors.
In conclusion, the course “Climate Change and Global Health” represents a significant initiative at Duke University, combining academic rigor with practical application. Dr. Janko’s approach encourages students to think critically about climate change, ultimately preparing them to be engaged citizens capable of influencing future policies and actions pertaining to global health and environmental sustainability.
The course “Climate Change and Global Health” at Duke University, led by Dr. Mark Janko, exemplifies an innovative educational approach to understanding the health impacts of climate change. Through hands-on learning and interdisciplinary insights, students gain a comprehensive understanding of climate-related challenges and solutions. Janko’s work emphasizes the necessity for informed citizenry, capable of engaging in meaningful discussions and actions concerning environmental health.
Original Source: globalhealth.duke.edu
