Course Programs

2024

Introduction to environmental conservation

Code:G2B60112 / Instructor:ASANO Iku

Course Description

Both domestically and internationally, human society is currently facing various environmental problems. About half a century ago, there was a common understanding that “environmental problems” referred to pollution. However, today, a wide variety of problems, such as global climate change, conserving biodiversity, and ocean plastics, must be considered. It is not an overstatement to say that a basic knowledge of environmental issues will be essential no matter what field of expertise students progress into. In these lectures, students will learn a broad range of fundamental knowledge on environmental issues.

In many cases, it will be too late to address environmental issues if we wait until clear scientific evidence is presented. Thus, it is necessary to deal with the problems we are facing at the same time as undertaking research activities to clarify their scientific basis. In these lectures, students will acquire the latest information on environmental issues and develop the ability to think independently by working on assignments using newspapers, academic literature, and books, etc.

Keywords

global environmental problems, climate change, environmental pollution, biodiversity, ecosystem service, threatened species, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Course Plan

1. Orientation

2. History of environmental conservation

3. “Humans” and environmental issues

4. The decline in biodiversity (2)

5. The decline in biodiversity (3)

6. The decline in biodiversity (4)

7. Climate change (1)

8. Climate change (2)

9. Climate change (3)

10. Climate change and energy resources

11. The plastic garbage problem (1)

12. The plastic garbage problem (2)

13. Resource depletion (1)

14. Resource depletion (2)

15. Summary; class questionnaire

Note that the contents may be reordered or changed due to the progress of the class.