Climate change, ethics and human health – new course launched this semester

The lab is offering a new course to ETH students this spring, exploring the profound ethical questions raised by the impacts of climate change on health. The course began on February 29 with an introduction by Dr. Alessandro Blasimme, the primary instructor.

This course offers students the chance to better understand how and why our planet is changing, and how this affects human well-being. Students will consider topics ranging from the value of nature and structural injustice, to food security and our duty to future generations. The course will examine questions of consumption – what do we live for? – and the reality of climate emotions.

Climate change is affecting the lives of everyone on our planet, with scientists innovating in remarkable ways to mitigate the negative effects. Yet consequences for health are already all too real, and are experienced disproportionately by those with fewer resources. With this course we hope to advance discussion and deepen our thinking, considering responsibilities as individuals and as a society.