For decades, environmental scientists have been documenting anthropogenic impacts on the planet’s ecosystems. Currently, the weight of scientific evidence showing the severity of the biodiversity and climate crises is immense, and many scientists are advocating for increased governmental engagement with environmental issues. As such, environmental science is closely tied to human valuation of the environment; a linkage that requires one to be able to identify sound science and also understand how science is communicated and used in public policy. This is scientific literacy.
It is increasingly recognized that environmental considerations need to be integrated into all aspects of our economies, a trend that is evidenced by the steady growth of the environmental sector as well as increasing public concern for environmental sustainability. In order to prepare for a career in environmental management or conservation science, it is vital that students develop science literacy skills. Environmental professionals employ a range of tools that fall under the umbrella of scientific literacy. It is the goal of this course that students develop 1) a clear understanding of the scientific process & scientific analysis, 2) the ability to communicate environmental science to different audiences, 3) the ability to think critically about environmental issues, how they are studied, and how they are discussed in public discourse, and 4) the ability to place individual environmental studies and issues in the larger context of environmental and conservation science.
Note: This is a mandatory course for the students in the Conservation and Biodiversity field of study.