Human and Planetary Health (MED 103, SOC 103, SUSTAIN 103)

For too long, societies have treated nature as an inexhaustible resource. As a result, humanity faces a health crisis of planetary dimensions. Unsustainable food systems, global warming, biodiversity loss, pollution, and changing disease ecology are impacting both human lives and the natural systems that support them. Those least responsible for these crises are hit worst and first. The field of human and planetary health seeks solutions that sustain nature while supporting human health. This course highlights the complex interconnections between environment and health and demonstrates how an interdisciplinary, multisectoral approach and systems thinking can help us to find a path forward. Through lectures, discussions, and interactive exercises, students will learn and write about large-scale problems, priority areas of action, and levers for impact. The course may be taken for 3 or 4 units. First- and second-year undergraduates must enroll for 4 units, including a weekly discussion section. More advanced students may choose to take the course for 3 units without a section or 4 units with one. In addition to readings, reflections and other short assignments, all students work through a multi-part assignment to produce a policy brief addressing a human and planetary health challenge. The course is appropriate for students at all levels and from all disciplines.