Sheep Counting: Culture and Climate Change in Spain
In this 4-week course in Spain, students will learn about environmental, economic, and social conflicts that affect Spanish farmers and shepherds, including how they’re impacted by and working to mitigate climate change. We will first stay at a research station in the Guadarrama mountains, and then journey to Extremadura, which has a unique agrosilvopastoral ecosystem. Working with scientists, farmers, and wool workers, students will learn about rotational grazing that sequesters carbon in the soil, and the value of wool as a sustainable fiber. Students will take wool working workshops, and reflect in writing on the conflicts farmers face. At the request of partner organizations, students will produce live media about their experiences for public audiences. (SPAN 0220 or by waiver.)