ENV 610a () / 2025-2026

Managing Ecosystems for Climate Change Solutions

This course explores the scientific foundations and practical strategies for managing ecosystems to contribute to climate change mitigation. Grounded in ecosystem ecology and with a focus on tropical regions, the course examines how the conservation of intact ecosystems, the active management of disturbed systems, and the restoration of degraded areas can reduce carbon emissions, enhance carbon sequestration, and support climate resilience. Students will engage with core ecological concepts, analyze global and tropical carbon cycles, and explore the mechanisms—biophysical, ecological, and implementation-focused—through which ecosystems influence climate. The course builds from foundational scientific knowledge to applied case studies, hands-on data analysis, and evaluation of policy-relevant approaches.