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| Meeting Time: |
MWF 11AM-12PM |
| Location: |
Ford Environmental Sciences & Technology Building (ES&T), Room L1175 |
| Instructor: |
Michael E. Chang (Mike)
Office: 1116 ES&T
Phone: 404-385-0573
Email: chang@eas.gatech.edu
Office hours: M,W 3-4 or anytime by appointment
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Key Resources:
Pfirman, S. and the AC-ERE 2003, Complex Environmental Systems: Synthesis for Earth, Life, and Society in the 21st Century, A report summarizing a 10-year outlook in environmental research and education for the National Science Foundation, 68 pp.
--excerpt:
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As the global footprint of human activity continues to expand, environmental science and engineering problems will provide great challenges and opportunities in the next decade. Because of the complex relationships among people, ecosystems, and the biosphere, human health and well-being are closely linked to the integrity of local, regional, and global ecosystems. Therefore, environmental research and education are central elements of local, national, and global security, health, and prosperity.
New instrumentation, data-handling, and methodological capabilities have expanded the horizons of what we can study and understand about the environment. These advances create the demand for collaborative teams of engineers and natural and social scientists that go beyond current disciplinary research and educational frameworks. Imagination, diversity, and the capacity to adapt quickly have become essential qualities for both institutions and individuals, not only to facilitate research, but also to ensure the immediate and broad-based application of research results related to the environment.
To meet these complex challenges as well as urgent human needs, we need to develop environmental synthesis to frame integrated interdisciplinary research questions and activities and to merge data, approaches, and ideas across spatial, temporal, and societal scales. An essential part of this process is the effective communication of scientific information, models, and conclusions to and among researchers, educators, students, resource and industrial managers, policy makers, and the public.
...Environmental scientists and engineers increasingly consider the interplay of physical, biological, and social factors and are required to use advanced observational, database, and networking technologies. As a consequence, there is a growing need for scientists, engineers, managers, and technicians who have the ability to work on multidisciplinary and cross-cultural teams; to use sophisticated new instrumentation, information systems, and models; and to interpret research results for decision makers and the general public. Fresh and innovative approaches to education are needed to train individuals to undertake interdisciplinary, collaborative, and synthesis activities.
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