This course first introduces the underlying science of human-induced and naturally-occurring climate change, using the IPCC’s Fourth Assessment Report (2007) as its basis. It examines predictive models of climate change and its impacts. It goes on to examine past, current and projected impacts globally, regionally and, using the UK as a case-study, nationally and locally. It then explores the potential for adaptation at these different scales and the potential win-wins of coupling adaptation with mitigation. Finally it covers the legal implications of human induced climate change, the way climate change is communicated, and the issues of transboundary climate change impact assessment.

The primary objective of this course is to provide participants with high-level understanding of climate change impacts and adaptation at global, national and local scales. Key impacts and adaptation strategies will be introduced via outputs from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP), with a focus on business and industry-relevant issues.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. High-level understanding of projected climate change impacts and adaptation at global, national and local scales, with a focus on business and industry.

2. Familiarity with climate prediction models, feedback processes and uncertainties.

3. Ability to evaluate implications of climate change impacts and adaptation at scales ranging from global to local.

4. Understanding of the legal issues of human-induced climate change.

5. In depth understanding of climate change communication approaches, skeptical arguments and scientific counter-arguments.

Target Audience:

The target audience are professionals who are working in areas related to climate change policy and practice, who are studying part time, and at a distance. The chosen approach aims to maximise the benefits of engaging with working professionals, in particular by relating the course topics to the particular needs and interests of students, and also by supporting students to bring their professional experience and expertise into the course and to share this with their peers.

The course programme builds from the scientific basis of climate change, attribution and projection, through to examination of impacts and adaptation at a range of scales. It is designed so that students with little or no previous expertise in climate change science, impacts and adaptation will gain the underlying knowledge required to inform impact and adaptation assessments. The group presentations in the second half of the course are aimed at developing team-working skills and to give students a hands-on opportunity to work with the assessment and adaptation tools currently available to the business community via the UKCIP.

Outline:

Module 1 Introduction to Climate Change

Module 1 Attributing and Predicting climate Change

Module 2 Reconstructing climate

Module 2 Climate feedbacks and interactions

Module 3 International Development and Adaptation

Module 3 Global, Regional and National Climate Change Impacts

Module 4 Regional and National Climate Change Adaptation

Module 4 Local Impacts and Adaptation: UK and Scotland

Module 5 Impacts Assessment and Adaptation Strategy

Module 6 Seed Conservation, Food Supply and Adaptation

Module 7 The Win-Wins of Climate Change Adaptation

Module 8 Long-term planning, trans-boundary impacts and regulation

Module 9 The Law of Climate Change

Module 10 Climate change education and communication

Admission Requirements:

There are no pre-requisites or specific admission requirements for this program.