Climate change is dramatically impacting our environment and society. In addition, there are direct impacts on human health. In this program, we will explore some of the linkages between the changing climate and human health, with a specific case study of the impact of household energy choices in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is third, behind China and India, in the projected climate impact of replacing traditional cookstoves with cleaner versions. This is because short-lived climate forcers, including soot, which is emitted by cooking as well as other sources, are known to be important targets for addressing climate change in the short term. Decreasing them can buy us time to develop better methods for reducing carbon dioxide emissions over the longer term.
These short-lived species have additional impacts. The case study of household energy use, especially for cooking, will give us the opportunity to study the connections between personal energy choices, regional environmental impacts, such as deforestation and air pollution, and health impacts. At the same time, we will learn about why individuals make the choices that they do regarding their use of different fuel types for cooking and heating.
We will design and carry out a measurement program to assess the impact of cleaner cooking technologies on air quality in peoples’ homes, investigate the connections between regional and national environmental impacts and individual choices, and meet with national and international organizations working on these issues. We will work in both urban Addis Ababa and a rural area, Wolkite, to explore the similarities and differences in different types of settings.
By the end of this course, we expect that students will be able to:
- Qualitatively and quantitatively describe major scientific principles which contribute to the Earth’s climate system.
- Describe some of the global, regional, and local human health impacts that are currently attributed to human-caused climate change.
- Apply a scientific understanding of the climate system in other situations, whether their future research, other courses they take, their assessment of policy, or their own personal choices.
- Articulate the challenges faced by people in multiple contexts (both urban and rural) when addressing climate issues.
- Gather data on air quality inside and outside people’s homes, to assess the impact of various cooking technologies.
- Understand the cultural context of food preparation by cooking at least one traditional Ethiopian dish on a biomass cookstove.
- Interpret the combined qualitative and quantitative data sets that they have acquired to obtain a fuller picture of energy use in rural and urban households in Ethiopia.
One introductory course in Biology 125 or 126, Chemistry 123 or 128, any 100-level Geology, or Physics (two five-week courses or one ten week course from 131-165) and Math 111 or 215, or consent of the instructor.
Students should have a demonstrated interest in learning about climate change and human health using both a scientific and a hands-on approach. A willingness to work in unfamiliar and challenging conditions is imperative.
ENTS 289: Climate Change and Human Health (6 credits)
This course will survey the relationship between climate change and human health. The course will begin by exploring the science of the Earth’s climate before turning to an exploration of topics that illuminate the intimate relationship between climate change and human health. These include short-lived climate forcers and the climate and health impact of mitigation measures, extreme heat/drought, mosquito-borne diseases, indoor air pollution/biomass combustion/cookstoves, and biodiversity conservation. Project proposals for the off-campus component will be developed. This course is part of an off-campus winter break program involving two linked courses in fall and winter terms.
Prerequisites: One introductory course in Biology 125 or 126, Chemistry 123 or 128, any 100-level Geology, or Physics (two five-week courses or one ten week course from 131-165) and Math 111 or 215, or consent of the instructor 6 credits; Social Inquiry, Quantitative Reasoning Encounter
Instructors:Deborah Gross and Tsegaye Nega
CHEM 289: Climate & Health: From Science to Practice (6 credits)
This course will start with a multi-week trip to Ethiopia. While there, we will carry out a research program to assess the impact of cooking technologies on air quality in peoples’ homes, investigate the connections between regional and national environmental impacts and individual choices, and meet with national and international organizations working on these issues. We will work in both urban Addis Ababa and a rural area, Wolkite, to explore both types of settings. Back on campus during winter term, we will reflect on our experiences, analyze data, prepare and make public presentations, and propose appropriate follow-up projects.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in ENTS 289 the term before. 6 credits; Quantitative Reasoning Encounter
Instructors: Deborah Gross and Tsegaye Nega
Deborah Gross, Professor of Chemistry, has a long-standing interest in the chemistry of air pollution. She is interested in analytical methods to measure air quality in order to assess its impact on people and the environment.
Tsegaye Nega, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, is a conservation biologist interested in urban impacts on environmental degradation. He is committed to developing solutions to alleviate problems from household energy use.
Tsegaye and Deborah have been working together for a few years on a project to design, test, distribute, and assess cleaner-burning micro-gassifier cookstoves in Addis Ababa. Carleton students have been integral to this work in many ways, including on off-campus programs, internships, research projects, and a class-related trip.
Students will stay in hotels.
Students will travel to Wolkite.
Program will take place during the first part of December. Specific dates will be communicated to program participants.
All Carleton-sponsored winter break programs cover the costs of instruction, lodging, some meals, group excursions, public transportation, medical and evacuation insurance, travel assistance, and most cultural events.
Students are responsible for passports and visas (when required), books and supplies, transportation to and from the program sites, and personal expenses during the program. Students will receive a program-specific Additional Cost Estimate at the time of acceptance.
Financial assistance is available. See the Off-Campus Studies website for further information on billing, financial aid, and scholarships.