Overview
Why a Comparative Study of Climate Change?
Explore some of the world’s most productive and vulnerable landscapes to witness how climate change impacts regions differently and how communities are responding to the climate crisis. In four cultural and socio-ecological contexts, you’ll analyze the challenges of working toward more equitable food, water, and energy systems. Examine the problems and possible solutions with researchers, farmers, activists, social entrepreneurs, non-governmental organizations, and policymakers.
In Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, you’ll meet farmers striving to modernize their agricultural practices and understand how the country, which has few fossil fuels, is embracing renewable energy. In Nepal, you will be uniquely located in a country that is vulnerable to climate change but has numerous initiatives to tackle this global challenge. The course here will offer a chance to interact with experts, communities, and institutions across the Nepalese Himalayas and undertake a guided trek to Sikles Village and Kapuche Glacier Lake. In Ecuador, you will explore resilience strategies in and around Quito and travel to the Galapagos Islands to understand the threats of climate change and the efforts to conserve unique marine and island ecosystems.
Explore a Day in the Life of an IHP student!
Photos on this page may depict program sites from previous semesters. Please view the Program Sites section of this page to see where this program will travel.
Highlights
- Meet climate justice movement activists in California fighting for social change.
- See how energy and agriculture policy impact local communities in Morocco.
- Examine the complex nexus of food, water, and energy systems in Nepal.
- Experience the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands and learn about the ongoing efforts to protect them.
Prerequisites
None, although previous coursework in political science, economics, or environmental science is recommended.