ENS 171 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OF COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS

Almost three-quarters of the Earth’s surface is covered by water and as the planet’s climate has changed so has the ocean. These oceanic changes are occurring at an unprecedented rate when compared to the previous billion years. As scientists are documenting the many changes occurring in the oceanic environment many coastal residents are having to deal with impacts of these changes. This course will investigate the causes of oceanic change and look at the present and potential impacts on the coastal environment. For example, we will try to answer the question, “How will a warmer, more acidic ocean impact marine life, coastline configuration and human activities?”