HarvardX: The Health Effects of Climate Change course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.
Module 1: Climate Science and Health Foundations
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Understand basic climate change mechanisms
- Explore greenhouse gas impacts on global systems
- Analyze links between environmental change and public health
- Examine global health trends related to climate patterns
Module 2: Heat, Air Quality, and Respiratory Health
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Study causes and effects of heat-related illnesses
- Understand air pollution's role in respiratory diseases
- Explore connections between climate emissions and asthma
- Assess cardiovascular health risks from extreme heat
Module 3: Infectious Diseases and Extreme Weather
Estimated time: 6 hours
- Examine climate-driven spread of vector-borne diseases
- Understand risks of waterborne diseases after extreme weather
- Study health impacts of hurricanes and flooding
- Analyze emergency preparedness and response strategies
Module 4: Mental Health and Food Security
Estimated time: 5 hours
- Explore psychological effects of climate disasters
- Understand links between climate change and mental health disorders
- Examine climate-related threats to food production and nutrition
Module 5: Vulnerable Populations and Policy Solutions
Estimated time: 5 hours
- Identify communities most at risk from climate health impacts
- Explore principles of climate justice and equity
- Understand adaptation and mitigation policies in public health
- Develop frameworks for effective public health responses
Module 6: Final Project
Estimated time: 4 hours
- Apply course knowledge to a real-world climate-health scenario
- Develop an evidence-based public health recommendation
- Submit a policy brief or community response plan
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of biology or health sciences
- Familiarity with global environmental issues
- Interest in public health or climate policy
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Explain how climate change affects human health using scientific evidence
- Identify major climate-related health risks including heat stress and infectious diseases
- Analyze the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations
- Connect climate science with public health policy and practice
- Develop strategies to support climate resilience and health advocacy