SUMMARY

Analysis of climate change adaptations, responses, and mitigation options.  Consideration of impacts of projected climate changes including global water, food and health complemented by regional case studies.  Scientific, technologic, economic, political, and behavioral aspects of potential solutions.

GOALS

The goal of the course is to provide a practical survey of adaptation and mitigation responses to global climate change. Students engage in a variety of guest lectures, case studies, and interactive games to enhance their understanding in thought provoking ways.

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION AND TEACHING MATERIALS

See individual lessons for materials needed.

Responding to Climate Change
Syllabus for course attached
syllabus.pdf

TEACHING NOTES / CONTEXT FOR USE

Intended for upper level undergraduate students.

ASSESSMENT

15% class participation – actively contribute to weekly case studies and discussion

25% weekly responses/problem sets (ca. 600 words) - due each xx by xx, posted on discussion section of Courseworks

30% Adaptation Presentation and Paper

March 5 or 7      Presentation – xx minutes

March 9, 5 pm   Adaptation paper -- 8 pages double-spaced text plus figures, references, and reflection submitted as an attachment on line under “Discussion.”   Groups of students conduct an analysis of one country other than the US, modeled on the Arctic and NYC case studies.  Each student is responsible for 1 chapter of report and 1 part of presentation.

The following figures are required – you may also include others as well:

1.       Identification of key climate impacts

2.       Chart identifying priorities for response

3.       Chart identifying response strategies (may be combined with priorities chart)

4.       Process flowchart or timeline for getting consensus from stakeholders and implementing strategies

5.       Chart identifying key hurdles/challenges and options for overcoming them

30% Mitigation Presentation and Paper

April 23      Presentation -- 15? minutes

April 30, 5 pm     Paper -- 10 pages combined, 6 pages on your own double-spaced text plus figures, references, reflection submitted as an attachment on line under “Discussion.”  Groups of students conduct analyses of solution options, assessing the potential for implementation within a specific context – Each student is responsible for 1 chapter of report and 1 part of presentation.  Pre-approval of the topic is required.

Elements to include in your analysis – do not have to be in this order:

1)      Strategy for reducing warming using this mitigation option

– include quantification of carbon and/or warming mitigation potential using your own calculations, estimates, and/or citation of literature

2)      Co-benefits of implementing this mitigation option

3)      Obstacles to implementing this mitigation option

4)      Implementation plan

REFERENCES AND RESOURCES

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Analysis of climate change adaptations, responses, and mitigation options. Consideration of impacts of projected climate changes including global water, food and health complemented by regional case studies.