"Earth at the Crossroads: Understanding the Ecology of a Changing Planet" Prof. Eric G. Strauss (36 Lectures / 30 Minutes Per Lecture / 6x DVD - The Great Courses)
In this 36-lecture series, Professor Eric G. Strauss offers a rigorous examination of the "great web of life" and the scientific principles that govern our planet's ecosystems. The course frames ecology as a holistic science, moving beyond simple biology to explore how energy, nutrients, and water circulate through complex natural systems. You will analyze the "crossroads" where human civilization meets environmental limits, investigating critical concepts like the Tragedy of the Commons and the role of human society as a primary ecological driver in the modern era.
The second half of the course focuses on specific ecological processes and the path toward restoration. You’ll examine the intricacies of population growth, migration patterns, and the coevolution of species, including the relationship between human activity and the spread of disease. As a specialist in urban ecology, Professor Strauss provides unique insights into how cities function as ecosystems and offers scientifically-backed strategies for reversing habitat decline. By the end, the lectures transition from identifying environmental crises to exploring hope through sustainable design and ecosystem recovery.