This course is an exploration into the science that directly affects us all daily and that will likely increase in its significance to us with time. This course will give you an overview of how the natural world works, how humans are perturbing the natural world, and how governments and society are (or are not) addressing environmental degradation. It will cultivate a deep understanding of the natural world in all its diversity, and help students develop an interdisciplinary knowledge base and set of skills to engage contemporary environmental issues from local to global scales.