Global challenges of the 21st century, as caused by or related to climate change, rapid urbanization and increased resource use cannot be simply addressed at the global level within disciplinary boundaries but require careful consideration and detailed analysis at the regional and local level and an interdisciplinary lens. In this course, we aim to increase your awareness of the urgency to address global challenges of the 21st century at multiple scales and the added value of engaging with other disciplines. Besides learning about internationally recognized key global challenges, you will further strengthen the geo-spatial and domain knowledge and skills acquired in preceding courses. You will become aware of both the added value and challenges of crossing disciplinary boundaries and recognize the contribution of your own discipline in analysing global problems and designing actions at the local level.
The course consists of two elements, moving from a multi-disciplinary to an interdisciplinary approach. The first element introduces you to a set of key global challenges which have been recognized internationally and relate to selected research themes of ITC and the educational tracks of the Master Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation. This is done by means of keynote lectures and associated working groups. The second element is an interdisciplinary and project-based investigation in multi-disciplinary groups (i.e. a region-specific case study that reflects a mix of challenges and impacts). With the group, you will analyse a global issue more in-depth and collaboratively design a response (plan, strategy, policy recommendation, etc.) at the local level. For further details see the content section.