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The aim of the course Global Environmental Challenges is to provide students with a basic overview of key environmental issues facing the world today and their interconnections.
The course covers topics such as climate change, air and water pollution, biodiversity loss, land degradation, waste, and energy.
Students will learn about the causes and consequences of these issues at both local and global levels, as well as potential solutions from the perspectives of science, technology, and policy.
Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking and understanding the complex, interdisciplinary nature of environmental challenges, which are crucial for sustainable development.
The course serves as an introductory foundation for subsequent, more technologically and engineering-oriented subjects.
Last update: McGachy Lenka (25.04.2025)
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Course Completion Requirements for Global Environmental Challenges:
Final Test (60%) A written exam combining factual knowledge questions (e.g., multiple choice, short answers) and open-ended tasks focused on connecting concepts, argumentation, and applying knowledge to real-world situations. Students register for a test date via the SIS system. The time limit for completing the test is 60 minutes. To pass the test, students must obtain at least 50% of the total possible points. Results will be published in SIS within 7 working days of the test date. If a student fails the final test, a retake is possible in accordance with UCT Prague’s study and examination rules.
Mini-Project (40%) The mini-project is evaluated based on the following criteria: Relevance and treatment of the chosen topic Ability to synthesize information and present coherent arguments Use of sources and proper citation The submission deadline will be specified by the instructor during the semester.
Last update: McGachy Lenka (25.04.2025)
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Recommended:
Last update: McGachy Lenka (25.04.2025)
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The course is delivered through lectures supplemented with interactive elements that encourage active student participation. Each thematic block includes guided discussions on current real-world examples, case studies, or controversial topics. At the end of each lecture, a short quiz is conducted to assess basic understanding of the material and to support continuous review. Last update: McGachy Lenka (25.04.2025)
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Final Test (60%) – A written exam combining factual knowledge questions (e.g., multiple choice, short answers) and open-ended tasks aimed at connecting concepts, building arguments, and applying knowledge to real-world situations.
Mini-Project (40%) – An individual written assignment on a chosen environmental topic that demonstrates the student’s ability to think critically, work with sources, and synthesize information. Recommended length: 3–5 pages. Last update: McGachy Lenka (25.04.2025)
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1.Introduction to Global Environmental Challenges: History of environmental issues: from the Industrial Revolution to the present. The concept of the Anthropocene: human influence on the planet. The role of science, technology, and policy in addressing environmental problems.
2. Climate Change: Causes, Impacts, and Challenges: The greenhouse effect and major greenhouse gases (CO₂, methane, N₂O). Impacts of climate change: melting glaciers, extreme weather, sea level rise. International efforts to address the issue (Paris Agreement, IPCC).
3. Air Pollution: Pollution sources (industry, transportation, agriculture). Impacts on human health and ecosystems. Global disparities in air quality (developed vs. developing countries).
4. Water Crisis and Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs): Drinking water scarcity: causes and geographic inequality. Pollution of water sources: pesticides, microplastics, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, UV filters. Impacts on ecosystems and human health.
5. Biodiversity and Its Decline: Causes of species extinction: deforestation, climate change, invasive species. Ecosystem services: why biodiversity matters to humans.Global initiatives for nature conservation (e.g., CITES).
6. Deforestation and Land Degradation: Main causes of deforestation (agriculture, logging). Impacts on climate, hydrological cycles, and soil erosion. Sustainable land management practices.
7. Oceans Under Pressure: Ocean acidification as a result of CO₂ emissions. The issue of plastic waste in the oceans. Overfishing and its effects on marine ecosystems.
8. Population Growth and Urbanization: Demographic trends and their effect on resource consumption. Urbanization: challenges with waste, pollution, and infrastructure. The smart city concept as a potential solution.
9. Food Security: Global issues in food production: shortages of land, water, and energy. Environmental impacts of intensive agriculture (e.g., widespread pesticide use). Alternatives: organic farming, vertical farming.
10. Energy and Its Environmental Impact: Fossil fuels vs. renewable energy sources. Energy poverty around the world. The role of energy in climate change.
11. Waste as a Global Problem: Waste generation: plastics, electronics, municipal waste. The landfill problem vs. recycling. The concept of a circular economy.
12. Global Environmental Policy: International organizations (UN, UNEP) and their role in environmental protection. Importance of legislation: Paris Agreement, Montreal Protocol, Stockholm Convention. The role of civil society (non-governmental organizations, NGOs) in advocating for change.
13. The Stockholm Convention and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Characteristics of persistent organic pollutants ("dirty dozen" and new POPs). Global impacts of these substances on health and the environment. International regulation and measures for their elimination.
14. Practical Examples and Discussion: Real-world case studies from around the globe (e.g., Ganges River pollution, Amazon deforestation). Discussion of current environmental topics, including "emerging contaminants" in the environment. Joint exploration of possible solutions to environmental issues, considering technological, economic, and social contexts.
Last update: McGachy Lenka (25.04.2025)
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Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Explain major global environmental problems, including their causes and consequences.
Describe the relationships between human activities and the state of the environment at both global and local scales.
Provide examples of environmental policy measures and tools, including international cooperation.
Analyze fundamental links between environmental challenges and technological solutions.
Express informed opinions on current environmental issues and support them with relevant arguments. Last update: McGachy Lenka (25.04.2025)
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The course does not require prior specialized knowledge in environmental sciences. A general understanding of natural and social sciences at the high school level is expected, along with an interest in current environmental issues. Last update: McGachy Lenka (25.04.2025)
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The course does not require prior specialized knowledge in environmental sciences. A general understanding of natural and social sciences at the high school level is expected, along with an interest in current environmental issues. Last update: Bindzar Jan (22.05.2025)
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