This seminar introduces students to the theoretical and empirical foundations of human–environment relations with a specific focus on how climate change intensifies risk in socio-ecological systems. Within the course, core human geography concepts (e.g., vulnerability, resilience, spatial disparities, socio-ecological systems, governance, mobility, and land-use transitions) will be linked with applied questions of disaster risk, climate impacts, and human adaptation. Students will critically engage with conceptual frameworks, including political ecology, risk society, social vulnerability theory, socio-ecological systems theory, and resilience thinking. These perspectives are used to interpret contemporary climate-related challenges such as extreme events, changing settlement patterns, infrastructure fragility, and the uneven distribution of environmental burdens. Moreover, using case studies from the Ahrtal flood (2021), drought impacts in East Africa, and coastal risk environments in Southeast Asia, the seminar demonstrates how climate change alters spatial patterns and human–environment interactions. Students analyse scientific assessments (IPCC AR6, Sendai Framework) and develop competences in interpreting hazard–vulnerability interactions through GIS-supported spatial analysis, scenario modelling, and qualitative mapping of exposure and adaptive capacity. A recurring emphasis is on how teachers can make complex environmental risks understandable for young learners. Students translate their analyses into teaching materials and risk communication resources based on principles of geography education (e.g., Spatial concepts, competence orientation, change of perspective, and didactic reduction). Guest contributions from practitioners in disaster risk management and climate adaptation may be arranged to provide additional insight into current policy debates and field realities.

Kurs im HIS-LSF