Modern agriculture is the most environmentally consequential activity that humans engage in. It has a profound impact on climate change, soil quality, water availability and risk of pandemics. However, agriculture itself is highly sensitive to climate change. This course covers the challenges of climate change, food availability and health in India. Traditional and novel solutions to carbon sequestration, and livestock practices that offer alternatives to the use of antibiotics will be discussed. Students will meet scientific and policy experts who will describe how India will have to adapt to tackle its 21st century challenges. Accommodation and classes will be held at the Indian Institute of Science. Excursions are planned to farming communities, organic processors, as well as to Unesco world heritage sites in ancient South India including Hampi, Lepakshi and Mahabalipuram.

This course fulfills the Science and Engineering (SEN) general education requirement, and counts towards minors in environmental studies, global health and health policy, and Program in South Asian Studies.