Please note:
To view the Fall 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/fall.html.
Climate Change and Society Minor
Admission Requirements
All students must be in good academic standing and must obtain approval from the Geography Academic Advisor to be enrolled in the climate change and society minor. Students may apply for admission to this minor program at any time.
Program Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 23 units as follows.
Lower Division Requirements
Complete all of
An examination of climate change, its interaction with water availability, and how humans cope with these altered circumstances. Students who have completed GEOG 102 prior to the fall 2011 term may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sci/Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
OL01 |
Tara Holland |
Online |
An introduction to landforms, climates, soils and vegetation; their origins, distributions, interrelationships and roles in the ecosystem. Laboratory work and field trips are included. Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Andrew Perkins |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D101 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D109 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D110 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D111 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D112 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D113 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D114 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An examination of the basic principles and processes governing the Earth's weather and climate. Topics include: radiation, greenhouse effect, clouds, precipitation, atmospheric circulation, mid-latitude cyclones, tropical storms, climate change. Prerequisite: GEOG 111. Quantitative.
Complete one of
Introduces students to the study of environmental science. Lecture material spans contributing disciplines, emphasizing integration of diverse concepts to understand environmental problems. Tutorials develop core academic skills in environmental science context. Students who have completed EVSC 200 may not complete this course for further credit. Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
B100 |
Brendan Murphy |
TBD | |
B102 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
B103 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
B105 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
B106 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
B107 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
B108 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
B109 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
B110 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D100 |
Ruth Joy |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D101 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
A geographical introduction to how humans shape our world, with attention also given to how it shapes us. Themes may include: culture, economic activities, environmental change, globalization, politics, population, resources, and urbanization. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
OL01 |
Leanne Roderick |
Online |
The Earth is experiencing the most dramatic environmental changes it has for thousands of years. How did we end up here? Provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the forces behind our ever-increasing environmental footprint. Highlights how ideologies and societal structures have shaped how we interact with the environment and explores the necessary changes for a more sustainable future. Breadth-Social Sciences.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
OL01 |
Scott Harrison |
Online |
Upper Division Requirements
Climate Science Group
Complete two of
Paleoclimatology is the study of how and why Earth's climate has changed in the past. Paleoclimalologists study ice ages, past abrupt changes, and what the Earth was like during past climate warm periods. The knowledge gained from paleoclimate studies provides us with the information needed to refine climate models, so that we understand how the Earth's climate works, and better predict how human activity will impact climate in the future. Describes the tools used by paleoclimatologists to reconstruct past climate change and evaluate the hypothesis put forth to explain those changes. Prerequisite: REM 100 or EVSC 100; GEOG 111 or EASC 101 or EASC 106; and 45 units. Recommended: EASC 210, GEOG 214 or GEOG 215. Students with credit for REM 334 may not take this course for further credit. Students who have taken REM 463-3 "Special Topics" in Spring 2019 may not enroll in this course for further credit.
Paleoclimatology is the study of how and why Earth's climate has changed in the past. Paleoclimatologists study ice ages, past abrupt changes, and what the Earth was like during past climate warm periods. The knowledge gained from paleoclimate studies provides us with the information needed to refine climate models, so that we understand how the Earth's climate works, and better predict how human activity will impact climate in the future. Describes the tools used by paleoclimatologists to reconstruct past climate change and evaluate the hypothesis put forth to explain those changes. Prerequisite: REM 100 or EVSC 100; GEOG 111 or EASC 101 or EASC 106; and 45 units. Recommended: EASC 210, GEOG 214 or GEOG 215. Students with credit for EVSC 334 may not take this course for further credit. Students who have taken REM 463-3 "Special Topics" in Spring 2019 may not enroll in this course for further credit.
A survey of the climate system, with emphasis on the interactions among its components; radiation, energy and water balances; carbon cycle; climate sensitivity and feedbacks; natural and human-induced climate change. Prerequisite: GEOG 214. Quantitative.
An examination of recent advances in climate change science drawing upon observational and theoretical studies; application of climate models. Prerequisite: GEOG 314. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Kirsten Zickfeld |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D101 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Uses the lens of ocean resource management to introduce principles of oceanography, including ocean circulation, ocean carbon cycling, nutrients and biological productivity, oceans and the climate system, and global fisheries. Provides basic understanding of ocean resource management through case studies such as plastic pollution, ocean acidification, Arctic Ocean change, and global fisheries management. Prerequisite: EVSC 100, or GEOG 111, or REM 100, and 45 units. Students with credit for MASC 435 may not take this course for further credit.
Climate Justice Group
Complete one of
An introduction to the fundamental social and human-geographical dimensions of climate change: the ideas, tools, and institutions through which human communities and institutions are responding (or not) to the challenges of a warming planet. Prerequisite: A minimum of 45 units.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Geoffrey Mann |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D101 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Examines the relationship between nature and society, covering the dominant geographical approaches to human-environment interaction, and their social, spatial, and political economic effects. Prerequisite: At least 45 units, including GEOG 100 or REM 100. Writing.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Rosemary-Claire Collard |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D101 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Examines contemporary writings regarding Indigenous environmental logic and environmental concerns of contemporary times. Studies effects of resource extraction upon Indigenous nations, globalization, genetic modifications, health, intellectual property, spiritual beliefs, culture and society, art and language and compares these with specific Indigenous logic at the time of contact. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for FNST 433 may not take this course for further credit.
The changing relationships between unions and environmental groups; how work in various industries contribute to climate change; and how climate-change policies affect workers in different ways. The consequences of climate policies for different categories of workers, identified by economic sector, geographic location, gender, ethnicity, and Aboriginal status. Prerequisite: 30 units. Strongly Recommended: LBST 101.
Climate Change Solutions Group
Complete one of
Topics pertain to issues of inequality, resistance and activism with a focus on entanglements with media and communication. Explores how relations of power are shaped and contested through media and communication. Topics include: racial justice, environmental policies, globalization, social activism, and labour. This course can be repeated once for credit (up to a maximum of two times). Prerequisite: 17 CMNS units with a minimum grade of C- or 45 units with a minimum CGPA of 2.00.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
B100 |
Shane Gunster |
TBD | |
B101 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
B102 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
B103 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
B104 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
Examines international efforts to respond to global environmental challenges, such as climate change, deforestation, and the degradation of the oceans. Investigates obstacles to effective action and possible ways forward. Explores the role of a range of key actors, including states, intergovernmental organizations, multinational companies, NGOs, and social movements. Prerequisite: 45 units.
Examines the politics and policies of energy, including historical and technical perspectives. Topics include alternative energy, climate change, regulatory policy, and the economics of energy, as well as practical case studies. Students who have completed POL 459 in 2009 and 2010 may not complete this course for further credit. Writing.
An interdisciplinary approach to transforming energy systems in pursuit of sustainable climate and society. Perspectives include thermodynamics, resource potentials, technological potentials, economic evaluation, implementation of transformative public policies, political-economy assessment of policy constraints, national and sub-national governance options, behavioural change potentials, global diplomacy, and pursuit of greater equity within and between countries. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Social Sciences.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
E100 |
Will Niver |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
E101 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E102 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E103 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
E104 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Explores the transportation system and how to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions as well as other sustainability goals. Topics include zero-emissions vehicles, low-carbon fuels, shared mobility, vehicle automation, and reduced vehicle use. An interdisciplinary approach is followed, including analyses of environmental and resource impacts, consumer behaviour, systems, technology change, and climate policy. Prerequisite: 45 units or permission of instructor.
Provides an overview of policy and governance approaches used to manage the natural environment from international to local levels. The history, basic concepts, and key strategies of modern environmental policy are presented and discussed. Students then analyze and critique environmental policy across scales regarding climate, forests, oceans, and urban landscapes focusing on determining the effectiveness and efficiency of different approaches to regulate and manage the environment. Prerequisite: One of REM 100, GEOG 100, GEOG 111, or EVSC 100; and 45 units. Students with credit for REM 356 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.