(Core Course)

CCC Lecturer: Dr Rachel Dunk                                                                          back to MSc courses

Introduction

To influence and lead others to manage their ‘carbon’ impact we first have to be clear about the reasons to do so.  We need a sound knowledge of the key issues and we need to be able to communicate this skilfully – to different audiences. The overarching aim of this core course is to familiarise our graduates with vital underpinning knowledge in climate science and policy so they develop an integrated understanding of carbon management. 

This course addresses two questions ‘Why should we manage carbon?’, and ‘What carbon management options do we have?’

We first explore climate science, developing an understanding of the climate system, global carbon cycling, natural variability, and anthropogenic effects.  We then go on to examine the implications of climate change – examining actual and potential climate change impacts, and the suite of available mitigation and adaptation responses, including a critical assessment of the debates surrounding current international and national policies, and potential future policy options. 

Aims

1. To examine the sources, sinks and effects of greenhouse gases
2. To explore climate change by looking at past and present evidence and predictions for the future
3. To develop an understanding of the complexity of mitigating global greenhouse gas emissions
4. To outline the principal approaches that can be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or mitigate the effects of rising greenhouse gas concentrations
5. To outline the need for adaptation to climate change
6. To evaluate Global, European and National policies on climate change

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the greenhouse effect, including consideration of natural and anthropogenic greenhouse gases, and their principal sources and sinks
2. Describe the natural carbon cycle and human impacts on the carbon cycle
3. Comment on climate change using research informed arguments, including consideration of the likely extent and impacts of climate change over the 21st Century
4. Appreciate that the global response to climate change includes both mitigation and adaptation measures
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the range of options available for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, including the use of carbon sinks and carbon sequestration
6. Describe the various incentives and mechanisms used to promote greenhouse gas emissions reductions
7. Describe the global options available to mitigate the effects of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (planetary engineering)
8. Comment on adaptation responses and demonstrate understanding of the concept of adaptive capacity and the limits and barriers to adaptation
9. Evaluate Global, European and National policies on climate change

Teaching Hours

Ten teaching weeks, each comprising of some two hours of lectures and up to three hours of seminar/workshop/field class

• Lectures: 20 hours (2 hours per week for 10 teaching weeks)
• Seminars/Workshops: 30 hours (3 hours per week for 10 teaching weeks)

 Total: 50 hours (5 hours per week for 10 teaching weeks)