Climate and Society Minor

Climate change is a growing global threat with complex societal, environmental, and economic impacts. This minor provides students with the opportunity to explore and understand the science, causes, impacts, and policy of climate change at the local, regional, and international levels from different perspectives. The minor brings together coursework from the physical/natural sciences, environment and ecosystems, and human dimensions and policy, as well as the option to explore additional coursework on methodological approaches that will provide students with the capacity to understand and analyze climate change impacts on society and the environment.

Why do it?

This minor will equip students with the skills to identify, interpret, and critically analyze scientific information. Students will develop the skills and knowledge needed to not only understand the science, causes, and impacts of climate change, but also understand the actions needed to mitigate and/or adapt to climate change from both environmental and social perspectives.

Requirements

The 18-hour minor in Climate and Society includes two 3-hour required introductory courses, 9 hours of electives, and a required 3-hour capstone course.

Who is it for?

The Climate and Society minor will interest students from a wide range of ­fields, including but not limited to: environmental resource management, environmental science, forestry, agricultural sciences, smart and sustainable cities, water resources, policy and management, meteorology, international public policy, human development, geography, civil and environmental engineering, and environmental conservation and society.

This minor is hosted by the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation in collaboration with other departments across Virginia Tech.