Science, history and politics of climate change
Recommended Prerequisites
Not applicable
Teaching Methods
The theoretical and theoretical-practical classes will be taught in two intensive weeks.THe objetive is to promote an active and participative learning by the students, to develop critical thinknig, through debates, solve pratical problems, case studies and team work essays that include oral presentations on particluar themes of each discipline (promoting sharing of scientific knowledge, support critical thinking and develop social competence).
Learning Outcomes
This discipline provides the foundations of the science, history and politics associated with climate change.
The main objectives of this discipline are to acquire knowledge and competence to allow students to:
1) Understand the historical context of climate change;
2) Understand the basic scientific concepts related to climate change;
3) Understand the politics that are related to climate change issues.
Work Placement(s)
NoSyllabus
1 - INTRODUCTION ON THE IMPORTANCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE TO HUMANITY
2 - HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
3 - PROCESSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE PLANET: PHYSICAL ASPECTS
4 - PROCESSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE PLANET: BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS
5 - CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACTS IN THE PLANET
6 - MAIN MECHANISMS TO MITIGATE THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
7 - POLITICS RELATED TO CLIMATE CHANGE
8 - INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL FOR CLIMATE CHANGE (IPCC)
9 - PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT
10- CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE POLAR REGIONS ANS ITS IMPLICATIONS IN THEIR GOVERNANCE
11- INSTRUMENTS TO ASSIST DECISION-MAKING IN THE FUTURE
Head Lecturer(s)
José Carlos Caetano Xavier
Assessment Methods
Assessment
The assessment will consist of: - Written work (up to 5 pages) on climate change (50%) - Oral presentation (20 minutes) on the written work (25%) - Quality of argumentation among student groups on the different topics covered by the work in practical classes (25%): 100.0%
Bibliography
Dessler, A. E., & Parson, E. A. (2019). The science and politics of global climate change: A guide to the debate. Cambridge University Press.
IPCC (2018) Global warming of 1.5°C. An IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty. In: Masson-Delmotte V, Zhai P, Pörtner HO, Roberts D, Skea J, Shukla PR, Pirani A, Moufouma-Okia W, Péan C, Pidcock R, Connors S, Matthews JBR, Chen Y, Zhou X, Gomis MI, Lonnoy E, Maycock T, Tignor M, Waterfield T (eds). World Meteorological Organization, Geneva, CH.
Mechler, R., Bouwer, L. M., Schinko, T., Surminski, S., & Linnerooth-Bayer, J. (2019). Loss and damage from climate change: Concepts, methods and policy options. Springer Nature.
Artigos cientificos sobre as diferentes temáticas, fornecidos em cada ano.