Universidade Nova de Lisboa

Universidade Nova de Lisboa

Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas

Environment and Global Changes

Code

722041025

Academic unit

Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas

Department

Geografia e Planeamento Regional

Credits

10

Teacher in charge

José Eduardo Ventura

Weekly hours

3 letivas + 1 tutorial

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

a) To know Man’s impact on the Environment;
b) To identify to the main environmental problems of the present and its consequences;
c) To characterize the main modifications of the environment and its evolution;
d) To perceive the relevance of the climate change in the Environment;
e) To relate Man’s interference on the environment with the global changes;
f) To evaluate the implementation of adaptation and mitigation policies.

Prerequisites

None.

Subject matter


1) Introduction to the main problem of the Environment and the global changes.
2) Evolution of the Man’s intervention on the environment throughout the times.
3) Global character of the relation between Man and Environment in the present.
4) Main contemporary’s problems with repercussions at global level: population growth, pressure on resources and climate change.
5) Man’s 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.

Bibliography

BROWN, L. R., Plan B 2.0: Rescuing a Planet under Stress and Civilization in Trouble, Nova Iorque, W.W. Norton & Co, 2006, pp 3-40.
ALMEIDA, M., Um Planeta Ameaçado. A Ciência perante o Colapso da Biosfera, Lisboa, Esfera do Caos, 2006, pp 79-144.
PITTOCK, A. B., Climate Change. Turning up the Heat, Londres, Earthscan, 2005, pp 106-190.
GOUDIE, A., The Human Impact on the Natural Environment, 5ª ed., Oxford, Blackwell, 2000, pp 1-36 e 419-433.
GRAVES, J. e REAVEY, D., A Mudança Global do Ambiente. Plantas, Animais e Comunidades, Perspectivas Ecológicas, Lisboa, Instituto Piaget, 1998, pp 15-130.

Teaching method

Teaching methodologies: Expositive and Participative

Evaluation method

Evaluation:
- Reading of a set of thematic texts, evaluated in a written test.
- Elaboration of a written work or preparation of a study visit report.
- Elaboration and presentation of a written work resulting from autonomous research and supported by diverse bibliography and documentary information.

Courses