Protecting Public Health in a Changing Climate: A Primer for City, Local, and Regional Action

  • 4.8
Approx. 13 hours to complete

Course Summary

This course explores the science behind climate change, its impacts on our planet and society, and what we can do to address it.

Key Learning Points

  • Understand the science behind climate change and its impacts on the environment and society
  • Learn about the policy and social aspects of climate change
  • Explore solutions and actions individuals and governments can take to address climate change

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

  • Environmental Scientist
    • USA: $62,000
    • India: INR 5,00,000
    • Spain: €30,000
  • Climate Policy Analyst
    • USA: $75,000
    • India: INR 6,00,000
    • Spain: €35,000
  • Sustainability Manager
    • USA: $87,000
    • India: INR 7,00,000
    • Spain: €40,000

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the science behind climate change and its impacts on the environment and society
  • Gain knowledge on the policy and social aspects of climate change
  • Explore solutions and actions individuals and governments can take to address climate change

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • Basic knowledge of science and environmental issues
  • Access to the internet

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

  • Online
  • Self-paced

Similar Courses

  • Climate Change and Health
  • Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change

Related Education Paths


Notable People in This Field

  • Greta Thunberg
  • Bill McKibben

Related Books

Description

This course is an introduction to the multiple ways our changing climate affects global population health, and to promising policy and practice responses. More intense storms, heatwaves, and rising seas mean many, particularly the most vulnerable, now face growing risks of weather-related injury, illness, mental stress and even death. Because people care deeply about health outcomes, public health has great potential to convey the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to a warmer, more unpredictable climate. The main message of the course is that public health must therefore “lean in” and become a more central player in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Because climate-related health risks happen mainly at the local level, the course focuses on cities – increasingly key players in climate change policy. Starting with an overview of the science consensus suggesting we have 10-20 years to prevent risks associated with exceeding 1.5°C of global warming and put in place adaptive policies, the course provides interactive lectures, expert interviews and case studies that build practical knowledge. In the final assignment, participants apply course tools and strategies to a city of their choice, preparing them to contribute to climate mitigation and building health resiliency in their own local context.

Outline

  • Introduction and Climate Science
  • Welcome to Protecting Public Health in a Changing Climate & Module I
  • A Public Health Perspective on Climate Change
  • Climate Change and Health: A Conversation with Gina McCarthy
  • The Climate is Changing
  • Looking Ahead: The New Climate Normal
  • Climate Change and Small Island States: A Conversation with Rufus Ewing
  • Enhancing Urgency: IPCC Global Warming of 1.5°C Report
  • Introduction and Climate Science Readings
  • Module 1 Quiz
  • Public Health Perspective
  • Introduction to Module II: A Public Health Perspective
  • The Defining Public Health Issue for the 21st Century
  • Threat & Opportunity: How Climate Changes Health
  • Who is Most Vulnerable?
  • Cities on the Climate Frontline
  • The View from New York City: A Conversation with Tom Matte
  • Climate and Health Governance for Cities
  • Cities on the Climate Change Frontline: A Conversation with Mila Freire
  • Public Health Perspective Readings
  • Module 2 Quiz
  • Assessment Frameworks and Case Study
  • Introduction to Module III: Assessment Frameworks and Case Study
  • Overview of Climate & Health Policy
  • City Health Adaption Activities
  • Case Study: Climate and Health Adaption in Barcelona City: A Conversation with Joan Ramon Villalbi
  • The Barcelona Public Policy Center: A Conversation with Vicente Navarro
  • Assessing Climate Change & Health in the US
  • Maryland's Climate and Health Program: A Conversation with Clifford Mitchell
  • Bringing Health to the Forefront of Assessment
  • Assessment Frameworks and Case Study Readings
  • Module 3 Quiz
  • Policies and Practices
  • Introduction to Module IV: Policies and Practices
  • Data Needs for Climate and Health Policy: Part I
  • Data Needs for Climate and Health Policy: Part II
  • Early Warning Systems
  • Transcending Sectoral Boundaries
  • Financing Climate Adaption Infrastructure: A Conversation with Bernard Sheahan
  • The Challenge of Communicating about Climate Change: Part I
  • The Challenge of Communicating about Climate Change: Part II
  • Communication Overview Part One - How-To Tutorial
  • Communications Overview Part Two: How-To Tutorial
  • Looking to the Future - Public Health Speaking Out on Climate Change: A Conversation with Al Sommer
  • Policies and Practices Readings
  • Early Warning System Assignment Instructions
  • Early Warning System Assignment
  • Final Assignment

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the effects of climate change on our planet and learn how we can mitigate its impacts. This course covers a range of topics related to climate change including impacts on ecosystems and human societies, mitigation strategies and policy solutions. Overall, users found the course informative and engaging.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Many users thought that the course provided a comprehensive overview of the impacts of climate change on both ecosystems and human societies.

Pros from User Reviews

  • Informative and engaging content
  • Comprehensive coverage of climate change impacts
  • Well-structured course materials
  • In-depth discussion of mitigation strategies and policy solutions

Cons from User Reviews

  • Some users found the course to be too basic
  • Lack of interaction with instructors and other students
  • Limited opportunities for hands-on learning
  • Some technical issues with videos and quizzes
  • Course material may be overwhelming for beginners
English
Available now
Approx. 13 hours to complete
Mary A. Fox, PhD MPH, Mary C. Sheehan, PhD MPH, Thomas A. Burke, PhD MPH
Johns Hopkins University
Coursera

Instructor

Mary A. Fox, PhD MPH

  • 4.8 Raiting
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