C8288 - RELAZIONI TRA BIODIVERSITA', AMBIENTE E ASPETTI SOCIO-ECONOMICI

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student will know how organisms interact, as components of the structure and function of ecosystems, including the consequences of human interactions with the environment in general, and the marine system in particular. They will know the effects of global climate change on key organisms, biodiversity and ecosystems, particularly on marine species, including the effects on human societies and economies . Models and forecasts are presented considering different ocean warming and acidification scenarios predicted by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).

Course contents

Contenuti

1) Conflicts and Security Risks of Climate Change in the Mediterranean Region - Projections and Impacts of Future Climate Change in the Mediterranean; - Impact of Climate Change on Water Supply and Water-Related Conflicts; - Consequences for Food Security; - Population and Migration in the Mediterranean; - Human Security, Environmental Conflict and Climate Adaptation; - Energy Security as Field of Conflict and Cooperation; - Political and Economic Frameworks for Cooperation in the Mediterranean.

2) Warzone impacts on biodiversity - Raptor Migration; - Biodiversity, Peace and Conflict.

3) Socioeconomic Aspects: Human Migrations, Tourism and Fisheries - Introduction; - Coastal Commercial Fisheries and Aquaculture; - Tourism; - Migrations.

4) Tipping Points of Amazonian Forests: Beyond Myths and Toward Solutions - Introduction; - History of Terms and Concepts; - Feedback Mechanisms; - Quantifying risk: exposure, susceptibility, and resilience; - The Amazon’s future; - Managing Potential Transitions; - Conclusion: Navigating a Better Future for the Amazon.

5) Ecological and Evolutionary Considerations Regarding Corals in a Rapidly Changing Environment - Comments on the Evolution of Corals in the Atlantic Versus the Pacific Oceans; - Climate Change, Changes in the Oceanic Climatic Zones, and Their Effects; - Comments on Evolution of the Immune System in Corals; - Closing Comments.

6) General Ecological Aspects of Anthozoan- Symbiodinium Interactions in the Mediterranean Sea - Introduction; - Anthozoan-Dinoflagellate Trophic Relationship: A Costly Mutualism; - Diversity and Ecology of Anthozoan-Symbiodinium Mutualisms in the Mediterranean Sea; Importance of Anthozoan-Symbiodinium Mutualisms for the Health of the Mediterranean Ecosystems and Specific Approaches; - Research Priorities.

7) Corals and light: from energy source to deadly threat - The Bathymetric Distribution of Coral Reefs and Underwater Light; - Zooxanthellae: Providers of Energy; - Photoacclimation of the Zooxanthellae; - Light and Trophic Status of Corals; - Colony Morphology; - Tentacle Expansion; - Light Enhanced Calcification (LEC);- Light and Reproduction; - Conclusions.

8) Professionals based environmental monitoring - freshwater environment; - marine environment

9) Citizen science based environmental monitoring - Reliability of data; - Environmental education; - Conservation; - Volunteer involvement in scientific programs; - Marine Citizen Science Programs; - Recreational Citizen Science; - Mass communication

10) Education - Glocal Education project

Readings/Bibliography

No specific textbooks are required, as updated teaching materials—mainly in English—are provided by the course lecturer.

Teaching methods

The course comprises 6 CFU delivered through lectures.

Assessment methods

The final grade is awarded on the basis of an oral examination and corresponds to the average of the marks obtained in three questions concerning the course contents.

Students with specific learning disorders or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University office in good time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The office will propose any necessary adjustments for the students concerned; such adjustments must in any case be submitted to the course lecturer for approval at least 15 days in advance. The course lecturer will assess their suitability also in relation to the learning outcomes of the course.

Examination in a controlled environment with prohibition of AI use: AI can be a useful tool to support individual study through further explanations, summaries, and self-assessment activities. However, with regard to the assessment of learning, the use of AI is prohibited during the in-person examination. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

The teaching materials presented during lectures will be made available to students in electronic format online at the following address: https://virtuale.unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Goffredo