Environmental change as a result of human activities has emerged as the most pressing global challenge of our times, one with profound ecological, social and political implications and dire consequences. Addressing this challenge requires a rigorous understanding how natural systems operate and how human societies interact with these natural systems. This survey course is designed to introduce students to the various environmental systems that enable life on earth and their linkages with human society. It is intended to be useful for both a broad-based introductory class on environmental science and as a useful supplement to specialist courses which wish to review the environmental systems dimensions of their areas of study. By covering a wide range of topics, review questions, case studies, and links to further resources, students will become conversant in the language and concepts of sustainability, and will be equipped for further study in sustainable management, planning, policy, economics, climate, ecology, infrastructure, and more.
