222.650.81
Climate Change, Food Systems, and Public Health: Planetary Health and Policy Solutions
Location
Internet
Term
3rd Term
Department
International Health
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2026 - 2027
Instruction Method
Online Asynchronous
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Prerequisite
Enrollment Restriction
This course is not restricted.
Do you want to understand how climate change is reshaping how we grow food, what we eat, and who has access to healthy foods?
The planetary crisis, including the changing climate is a public health emergency that requires bold, cross-sector policy solutions. Food systems are both a major contributor to climate change and are being increasingly disrupted by its effects on agriculture, supply chains, and food security.
This course examines how policy can promote sustainable food systems that support both human and planetary health.
Examines the interconnected relationship between climate change, food systems, and public health through the lens of Planetary Health. Explores how climate change impacts agricultural production, global food supply chains, food security, consumption patterns, and nutrition—and how these shifts influence health outcomes across populations. Introduces the core concepts of Planetary Health and emphasizes the importance of sustainable and equitable food systems in maintaining both human and environmental well-being. Reviews global, national, and local policies and programs focused on mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Prepares students to critically evaluate and contribute to policy solutions that advance health and sustainability in the context of a changing climate.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Describe globally interconnected food systems and shifting trends in food access, consumption, and diet related health in different settings.
- Analyze the interconnected impacts of climate change on global food systems, including agricultural production, distribution, access to food, food security, and health.
- Examine current and emerging policy frameworks aimed at mitigating the food system and planetary health impacts and health risks associated with climate change.
- Develop strategies for integrating climate adaptation and resilience planning into public health and food system policies at local, national, and global levels.
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 10% Participation
- 10% Reflection
- 60% Written Assignment(s)
- 20% Quizzes
CTL has already approved this course and has assigned an instructional designer, per Kathy Gresh.