Earth Institute at Columbia University
Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 8:35PM
Adam Bad Wound in Conservation and Preservation, EICES, Earth Institute, Environment, Science

Pictured: (1925) Keck, Charles. Science sculpture located at Columbia University main gates at 116th and Broadway in New York, NY. Photo © Adam Bad Wound circa 2003.

With tremendous joy, I share news of my acceptance to the Executive Certificate in Conservation & Environmental Sustainability at the Earth Institute at my beloved alma mater, Columbia University

I studied at Columbia directly after college and my years in New York are among the best memories of my academic youth. There's a special "coming of age" chapter in my life that took place in New York. I'll admit, I'm somewhat relieved it's over, but I've always admired Columbia's Earth Institute and I'm recently motivated to advance my knowledge in the areas that matter to me most: conservation and environmental sustainability.

The topic of "resilience" seems to be constantly on my mind these days. I can't help but think, hasn't someone pursed "reslieincy studies" before me? Yes, Adam, there are entire bodies of knowledge on this topic. Why not take an introductory course?

Course description:

Principles, Tools, and Approaches for a More Resilient World

Instructor: Thomas Murtha

The great acceleration of human impacts on a finite planet is straining the resilience of earth system processes that support human society. Humanity has now crossed at least four planetary boundaries affected by climate change, loss of biosphere integrity, land system change, and altered biochemical cycles.

This is a survey course that examines the squeeze on planetary boundaries and introduces essential principles, tools, approaches, and resources for providing individual citizens with the agency to address sustainability issues in their homes, workplaces, and communities. Through the course lectures, readings, videos, and discussions, we will examine how individuals and civil society can better align lifestyles and societal values to enable a more resilient and diverse world. Topics may include climate change, freshwater use, land system use change, rate of biodiversity loss, economic benefits from the wise management of ecosystems, sustainable capitalism, and developing new narratives for humanity in the Anthropocene Era that enable prosperity, diversity, and good lives.

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