Wikipedia talk:Education program archive/Louisiana State University/HNRS 1035 Natural Disturbances & Society (Spring 2014)/Course description

We live in a world influenced by natural disturbances (i.e., fires, hurricanes). While these events can disrupt our lives, natural disturbances are also integral in shaping ecosystems from which we derive benefits. Human activities also significantly influence ecosystems, yet human modifications and their effects are designed to produce outcomes that benefit society. Such modifications may result in irreversible changes, including loss of biodiversity, altered disturbance regimes and increased vulnerability to future natural disturbances. Disturbances do not occur in isolation; thus, nature and humans are constantly influencing each other. Understanding the science of natural disturbances and how human activities influence outcomes will allow us to be informed citizens in protecting disturbance-dependent ecosystems, preparing for future disturbance events, as well as restoring areas in the post-disaster environment.

This course is designed to introduce the principle ideas of disturbance ecology, explore how natural disturbances shape ecosystems and examine ways humans both affect and are affected by these events (human element). During the course, we will investigate the importance of natural disturbances and compare the outcomes to anthropogenic perturbations. Recent events, such as Super Storm Sandy, wildfires in western United States and the Midwest drought, will be used to discuss how alteration of disturbance regimes may contribute to increased vulnerability of ecosystem recovery, particularly in light of global warming.

The course will also emphasize the importance of science literacy across disciplines. Disturbances influence all components of ecosystems, including humans. While the scientific basis is necessary for predicting outcomes of events, social and cultural differences play a role. As citizens of Louisiana, a state affected by hurricanes, fire and wetland loss, we need to be equipped to critically analyze information and make well-informed decisions on efforts of protection of both human life and nature.

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