Explore

From Climate Science to Action

Approx. 15 hours to complete

Save Course

Go to Course

Course Summary

This course provides an introduction to the science of climate change. Students will learn about the basic physical principles that govern climate, the greenhouse effect, and the role of humans in changing the climate.

Key Learning Points

Gain a fundamental understanding of climate science and how it relates to global warming and climate change
Explore the impact of climate change on the environment, society, and world economies
Learn about potential solutions and actions that can be taken to mitigate and adapt to climate change

Learning Outcomes

Understand the basic principles of climate science
Explain the causes and consequences of climate change
Identify potential solutions and actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of science
Familiarity with basic math concepts

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online self-paced course
Video lectures
Reading materials
Quizzes and assignments

Similar Courses

Introduction to Sustainability
Climate Change and Health
Greening the Economy: Sustainable Cities

Related Education Paths

Related Books

Description

Each part of the world faces specific vulnerabilities to climate change and has different opportunities to mitigate the effects and build resilience in the 21st century. With the ratification of the Paris Agreement, many countries have acceded to act in combatting climate change. Indeed, without climate action, decades of sustainable development is at risk, thus making this a ‘make or break’ point in time. Showcasing the most recent scientific evidence, explaining the different regional impacts and divulging climate action strategies, along with interactive tools such as a Carbon Footprint Tracker and (I) NDC Platform, this MOOC provides some opportunities, where you can take action on climate change.

About the Course This action-oriented MOOC gives you the opportunity to learn about regional climate change impacts and sector-specific strategies to increase resilience and move towards a low-carbon future. You will have the opportunity to explore these issues in depth and tailor your learning experience for one or more of the following regions: • Latin America and Caribbean • Sub-Saharan Africa • Middle East and North Africa • Eastern Europe and Central Asia • East Asia and Pacific • South Asia In this endeavor, the MOOC brings together renowned scientists and policymakers to provide a synthesis of the most recent scientific evidence on climate change, regional low emissions and climate resilient development strategies across sectors. A team of expert Instructors will lead discussions around the Paris Agreement, reflections from COP22 and the progress on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Course Syllabus Overview ‘From Climate Science to Action’ is divided into four weeks. The first two weeks will provide a comprehensive overview of the scientific evidence for climate change, followed by region-specific insights on the impacts of a warmer world in the 21st century. The last two weeks will focus on action strategies that are being undertaken in different regions and countries to meet the climate challenge, and how you as an individual can take action to avoid a warmer world! Week 1: Climate Change in the 21st Century • Historical and projected observed changes in the climate system, leading up to the end of the 21st century • The potential of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) submitted at COP 21 from 187 countries to induce climate action • Trends in climate change impacts, including loss of Arctic sea ice, melting glaciers, increased heat waves and extreme temperatures, and drought and aridity • Possible responses from natural systems, explaining how warming could result in sea-level rise, heat waves and extreme temperatures, and ocean acidification Week 2: Sectoral and Regional Impacts • Impacts on key development sectors—from warming above pre-industrial temperatures and projected climate trends—across each of the world’s regions • Sectoral impacts focusing on agricultural production, water resources, ecosystem services, and coastal vulnerability for affected populations • Importance of risks with the potential to reverse hard-won development gains and potentially trap millions in poverty, illustrating the need for urgent action now Week 3: From Science to Action on Climate Change • Region-specific discussions on mitigation actions needed to reduce emissions while decreasing vulnerability to climate change impacts through adaptation and by building climate resilience • Perspectives from regional experts on their experiences in strategies and actions proposed in each region to help transition towards a low-emissions, climate-resilient development path • Discussions on the progress of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), outcomes of the Paris Agreement and reflections from the Conference of Parties (COP)22 Week 4: What You Can Do • Transformative impact of day-to-day changes when brought to a global scale • The rationale for acting now, acting together and acting differently • Examples and expected benefits of mitigation and adaptation policies, considering both contributions to global emission reductions and local development opportunities In addition to the core resources and assignments, you may choose to go further, engaging in fun optional exercises, networking, discussion, and diving deeper into our rich selection of supplemental resources. You will have the opportunity to explore these issues in depth and tailor your learning experience for one or more of the following regions: • Latin America and Caribbean • Sub-Saharan Africa • Middle East and North Africa • Eastern Europe and Central Asia • East Asia and Pacific • South Asia Course Format This MOOC has a week-by-week structure, with resources, activities and exercises for you to engage in during each of the four weeks of the course. Each week, you will find a variety of course material, including: • Interactive video talks by renowned climate scientists and practitioners • Interactive tools: the Carbon Footprint Tracker, (I) NDC platform • Resources: Core, optional (deep dive) and fun interactives on the week’s theme • Quizzes that check your knowledge, reinforce the lesson’s material and provide immediate feedback • Assignments that will sharpen your skills of analysis, reflection and communication • Discussion forums and social media that enable collaboration with others from around the world, enriching interaction among participants • As a final project, you will create a digital artifact You can also go much further than this, engaging in optional exercises, networking, or discussion forums and dive deeper into our rich selection of additional resources. We also will use e-discussions, and other tools to facilitate dialogue between the learners and experts. Recommended Background: No background knowledge is necessary. The content of this course is designed to be accessible to students from any discipline. Connect: Communicate and share resources via Twitter using hashtag #learnclimate. Sign up for a free account at http://twitter.com

Outline

Climate Change in the 21st Century
Be Part of the Global Conversation on Climate Change
Climate Science and Emissions Scenarios
Climate Impacts in the 21st Century
Types of Climate Observation
Welcome
Course at a Glance
How to Succeed
How to be Social
How to Give Feedback
Acknowledgements
Course Resources
Overview
Resources
Optional Exercises
Week 1

Sectoral and Regional Impacts
Sectoral Impacts Around the World (Part I)
Sectoral Impacts Around the World (Part II)
Climate Change, Fragility, and Conflict
Sectoral Impacts in South Asia
Sectoral Impacts in East Asia and Pacific
Sectoral Impacts in Sub-Saharan Africa
Sectoral Impacts in Europe and Central Asia
Sectoral Impacts in The Middle East and North Africa
Sectoral Impacts in Latin America and the Caribbean
Resilience and Adaptation – Monitoring Coastal Zones
Overview
Regional Impacts
Resources for the SA region
Resources for the EAP region
Resources for the SSA region
Resources for the ECA region
Resources for the MENA region
Resources for the LAC region
Resources
Optional Exercises
Week 2

From Science to Action on Climate Change
Climate Resilience
Policy Instruments for Low Emission Development
Mitigation in East Asia and Pacific
Adaptation and Resilience in East Asia and Pacific
Mitigation in Sub-Saharan Africa
Adaptation and Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa
Mitigation in Europe and Central Asia
Adaptation and Resilience in Europe and Central Asia
Adaptation and Resilience in the Middle East and North Africa
Mitigation in the Middle East and North Africa
Mitigation in Latin America and Caribbean
Adaptation and Resilience in Latin America and Caribbean
Mitigation in South Asia
Adaptation and Resilience in South Asia
The Importance of EO in Climate Policy and Planning
Overview
Regional Climate Action
Resources
Optional Exercises
Week 3

What You Can Do
We Can, We Will, We Must Act on Climate Change
Act Now, Act Together, Act Differently in Response to Climate Change
Perspectives - Countries Acting to Address Climate Change Challenges
Big Data and Crowdsourcing – ESA MOOC
Overview
Resources
Optional Exercises

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the science behind climate change and its impacts on our planet with this comprehensive course on climate science. Users have praised the course for its engaging content and informative lectures.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Many users have praised the course for its informative lectures.

Pros from User Reviews

Engaging content that keeps users interested throughout the course
In-depth exploration of climate science and its impacts
Expert instructors with extensive knowledge in the field

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course to be too basic, lacking in more advanced topics
The course is geared towards beginners and may not be challenging enough for advanced learners
The course requires a significant time commitment, which may be difficult for some users to manage

Recommended for you

Built environment sustainability assessment

The course introduces the basic elements and trends for performing a through built environment assessment and develops the tools for urban sustainability policy impact analysis....

Save Course

Data Science & Machine Learning(Theory+Projects)A-Z 90 HOURS

Mastering Data Science & Machine Learning using Python-A to Z-Learn Statistics, Preprocessing & Reinforcement Learning Comprehensive Course Description: Fast forward to today....

Save Course

Biosphere 2 Science for the Future of Our Planet

Are you ready to take an incredible journey around Planet Earth and beyond? Biosphere 2, an Icon of Possibilities Welcome to the Course...

Save Course

Effective Sales – An Overview

Welcome to Strategic Sales Management specialization. This specialization course focus on providing conceptual and practical guidance on sales planning and management....

Save Course