Sustainable Development Goals
Abstract/Objectives
Humanity has survived, thrived, and established civilizations relying on the natural environment and resources provided by the Earth. However, with the rapid urbanization of today's human society, despite the endless supply of ecosystem services from the natural environment, people often forget the connection between themselves and nature. This course will explore the intimate, complex, and diverse relationship between humans and natural ecosystems, rediscovering the lost bond. It will further examine human overexploitation of natural resources and the destructive development of the environment, leading to a severe crisis in biodiversity. This, in turn, poses a serious threat to modern humans' well-being and the future's sustainability. Finally, the course will reflect on how to apply modern science and technology to solve these problems.
Results/Contributions

This course is closely related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It covers three main themes: global environment and climate change, Taiwan's environmental development history and current development controversies, and threats to biodiversity and conservation.

The course first introduced the environmental degradation and climate change caused by rapid global population growth since the 20th century. Using case studies, we illustrated that 'whether we can face environmental issues and adapt' has been a critical factor in the survival or downfall of many civilizations in the past. This not only emphasizes the need for us to heed the numerous warnings issued by scientists but also empowers us to contribute to the creation of a sustainable future.

Next, the course explored Taiwan's historical development from ancient times to the present day and the controversies arising from the current energy transition, such as the impact of developments like the Datang algae reef and the third natural gas receiving station, as well as solar fields and offshore wind turbines on the environment.

In the latter half of the semester, the course delved into the benefits of biodiversity and ecosystem services to humanity, which are fundamental to human survival. It then addressed topics such as habitat destruction, invasive species, and overexploitation, explaining the threats to biodiversity and how we can protect it.

Keywords
Climate change，Biodiversity, Ecosystem service, Environmental history
Contact Information
顏士清
yensc@mx.nthu.edu.tw