This course examines the bi-directional linkages between population and the physical environment, and the way the human management and regulation of these linkages impact on, positively or negatively, human well-being, climate change and other aspects of sustainable development.

Students will learn how to apply material presented in the course in finding solutions to contemporary practical problems concerning the interactions among population, climate change and sustainable development.

Two short written exercises (40%) and one longer research essay (60%). One short exercise will involve solving a conceptual problem, while the second short exercise will involve a class presentation (to be written up and no more than 1500 words). Both will be stepping stones to the research essay.

Preliminary reading will be optional and will include:

O'Neill, B., MacKellar, F.L., Wexler, L. and W. Lutz eds. (2001) Population and Climate Change, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Goodin, R. ed. (1994) The Politics of the Environment, London: E. Elgar.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report (AR4).

Amin, S. and M. Goldstein (eds) (2008) Data against Natural Disasters: Establishing Effective Systems for Relief, Recovery and Reconstruction, (Washington, D.C.: World Bank).