Climate change is the one of the most significant environmental, political and economic problems facing man in the 21st Century. Emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are increasing. Temperature is rising as a consequence of the greenhouse effect. Glaciers are melting and sea level is rising, putting coastal cities and habitats in jeopardy. This module will clarify the science behind climate change and its relationship to other aspects of environmental change. The module will discuss the climate system, how climate has changed in the past and how it may change in the future due to human influence. Mitigation and adaption strategies are discussed. There is strong prominence on how climate influences livelihoods and society. The module also considers the contemporary climate change debate and considers the evidence presented in the peer-reviewed, scientific literature as well as its representation in the media. Students are expected to give formative presentations based upon materials covered both within lectures and from directed reading.
Learning Outcomes:
To pass this module the student will need to be able to:
1. describe the climate system and explain the concept of global warming;
2. discuss how climate change is predicted;
3. discuss the interaction between global climate change and regional climates;
4. discuss the potential future impacts of global warming (e.g., flooding, extreme weather, human health, agriculture, economics);
5. discuss the methods of managing climate change or mitigating its consequences;
6. show competence in (a) analysis and interpretation of quantitative data, (b) written communication, (c) verbal communication, (d) using web-based resources for learning, (e) working as a group to collate relevant information from diverse sources.
Learning Outcomes:
To pass this module the student will need to be able to:
1. describe the climate system and explain the concept of global warming;
2. discuss how climate change is predicted;
3. discuss the interaction between global climate change and regional climates;
4. discuss the potential future impacts of global warming (e.g., flooding, extreme weather, human health, agriculture, economics);
5. discuss the methods of managing climate change or mitigating its consequences;
6. show competence in (a) analysis and interpretation of quantitative data, (b) written communication, (c) verbal communication, (d) using web-based resources for learning, (e) working as a group to collate relevant information from diverse sources.