Sustainable Coasts offers study in the diverse ecosystems, functions, and dynamic changes of coastlines and ocean life.
Aotearoa New Zealand as an island nation has a unique history and cultural narrative with its coastal settlements and marine resources. More knowledge is needed on the long-term effects our actions have on coastal climates, especially as climate change, pollution, and human exploitation lead to rapid changes on our shores. Rising sea levels, land erosion, over-fishing, debris pollution, and tsunamis are but a few examples of issues we need to urgently manage.
At UC, you will explore the biological, geographical, and social effects of coasts and surrounding urban and natural environments, and find sustainable solutions to their preservation and ongoing use.
With fieldwork a strong focus in the degree, UC’s location in Waitaha Canterbury gives you prime access to the East and West coastlines of Te Waipounamu South Island, and the opportunity to utilise UC’s field stations around the region, for example Kawatiri Westport.
Our experts are actively involved in research and management of disaster and long-term risk affecting our coastlines, from earthquakes to tsunamis and floods.
Across the globe, we have become heavily reliant on our coasts and oceans. More than half of the world’s population live in coastal settlements, and entire economies are based on using fishing and marine resources, and freight transport systems.
Climate changes causing land erosion, changing ecosystems, and rising sea levels, and human exploitation through over-fishing, pollution, and infrastructure has demonstrated an increasing need for experts on maintaining a sustainable relationship with our coastal regions.
This degree will make you invaluable for roles in government and policy, environmental NGOs, research, public education, consultancies, disaster management and response, fisheries, civil planning and resilience, and conservation.
Categorías CINE (ISCED)
