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Global Change Biology
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:29:26
Abstract
This course focuses on the effects of anthropogenic climate change as well as land use and land cover change on forest and agro-ecosystems. Current scenarios and models for coupled human-environmental systems will be discussed. Different management options for sustainable resource use and climate mitigation as well as adaptation will be studied.u
Objective
Students will understand reasons for global change at various spatial and temporal scales, be able to synthesize their knowledge in various disciplines in view of global change issues, know international and national treaties and negotiations concerning management and climate and land use/land cover change, and be able to evaluate different management options for sustainable resource use and climate mitigation as well as adaptation options.
Content
Changes in climate and land use are major issues that students will be faced with during their working life, independently of where they will work. Thus, an advanced understanding on how global change, biogeochemistry, land use practices, politics, and society interact is critical to act responsibly and work as agricultural or environmental scientists in the future. Thus, during this course, the effects of global change (i.e., changes in climate, atmospheric chemistry as well as land use and land cover) on forest and agro-ecosystems will be presented and discussed. Effects on ecosystem structure, composition, productivity and biogeochemical cycling, but also on stability of production systems against disturbances will be addressed. Current scenarios and models for coupled human-environmental systems will be discussed. Different management options for sustainable resource use and climate mitigation as well as adaptation will be studied.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Handouts will be sold.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Global Change Biology |
|
2 h weekly |