Climate change is the study of variations in long term weather patterns over different spatial and temporal scales and the possible causes of such variations. In the most general sense, the term ‘climate change’ encompasses all forms of climatic inconstancy. The aim of this module is to address the basic principles of climate change, climate policy analysis & modelling. The nature of the interaction between land use & climate change will be explored with particular reference to biosphere-atmosphere feedback control. The module addresses current international & national climate policy & the use of modelling in policy analysis. The module introduces the student to the fundamental principles of Earth’s climate system, system dynamics & the general approach to model construction in climate policy analysis.
This module is designed to provide an intermediate level introduction to climate change science and policy. The module is directed towards students of environmental management, environmental science, bio-resource management and allied disciplines. However, the module has wide applicability and would also be relevant to individuals with an interest in environmental policy design as well as those working, or intending to work, in wider policy development settings. The module provides an overview of the science, tools and resources needed to become more effective leaders and managers in adapting to climate change.
- The science of Earth’s climate systems & climate change;
- The drivers of climate change (natural & anthropogenic), the greenhouse effect & carbon dynamics
- The causes of long-term climate change & the evidence of current global warming;
- Palaeoclimatic conditions and the causes of past climate change;
- EU and Irish climate policy & contemporary climate management strategies;
- Climate models and the challenges of modelling Earth’s climate systems;
- Climate policy and scenario analysis and the impacts of future climate change;
- Model design and structure using flowcharts.
A variety of teaching methods will be used including lectures, tutorials, presentation sessions, discussion groups, problem solving exercises to encourage self-directed learning & analysis of case studies to encourage participant analytical thinking. Comment and feedback will be provided to students throughout the course of their assignment, laboratory, class and group related work.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |