Every region of the globe is vulnerable to climate change. There are different options to reduce these effects and increase resilience for the 21st Century. Many countries, including many that ratified the Paris Agreement have agreed to take action against climate change. Without climate action, sustainable development will be at stake for decades. This is why this MOOC has the potential to make or break a decade of time. This MOOC presents the latest scientific evidence and explains the various regional impacts. It also divulges climate action strategies.
You will learn all about climate change in your region and the strategies you can use to improve resilience to ensure a low carbon future. These issues will be explored in detail and you can tailor your learning experience to one or more regions.
Latin America, Caribbean
Sub-Saharan Africa
Middle East & North Africa
Central Asia and Eastern Europe aC/
A/ East Asia, Pacific
South Asia - aC
The MOOC gathers internationally renowned scientists to present a summary of all the latest scientific evidence regarding climate change and regional low-emissions strategies for climate resilience across different sectors. Expert Instructors will facilitate discussions on the Paris Agreement and reflections at COP22. They also discuss the status of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Course Syllabus
Overview
The four-week long series aFrom Climate Science to Actiona is broken down into four parts. First, we will give a broad overview of climate science and then provide insights specific to each region on how warmer times might impact us in the 21st Century. These last two weeks will be focused on the action plans being taken in various countries and regions to address climate change. And how individuals can help to prevent a warming world.
Week 1: Climate Change in the 21st Century
Historic and predicted climate system changes leading to the close of the 21st Century
Potential of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions submitted to COP 21 by 187 countries in order to encourage climate action
Climate change trends, such as loss of Arctic sea-ice and melting glaciers and increased heat waves, extreme temperatures and drought, among others.
Potential responses from natural system, explaining why warming could lead to sea-level rise and heat waves, extreme temperatures and ocean acidification
Week 2: Regional and Sectoral Impacts
A/C/ The Impacts of Climate Change on Key Development Sectors: From warming beyond pre-industrial temperature to projected climate trends across each region in the world
aC/Sectoral Impacts - focusing on coastal vulnerability and water resources for the affected population
The importance of risk with the potential for reverse development gains and possibly trap millions in poverty. This highlights the urgency to take immediate action.
Week 3: Climate Change Science and Action
Discussions on mitigation measures needed to decrease emissions and reduce vulnerability to climate changes through adaptation, building climate resilience.
Viewpoints of regional experts about their experience in strategies and actions in each region in order to transition toward a climate-resilient, low-emission development path
Conversations on Nationally Determined Contributions, Paris Agreement Results and Reflections from the Conference of Parties 22
Week 4: The Things You Can Do
The transformative effects of daily changes on a global level
A/The rationale behind acting now, acting with others and acting different
Example and anticipated benefits of adaptation and mitigation policies. This includes both local and global contributions to global emissions reductions.
You can go beyond the assignments and core resources. There are fun options for optional activities, discussions, networking and deeper dives into our extensive selection of supplemental materials. These issues will be explored in detail and you can tailor your learning experience to one or more regions.
Latin America, Caribbean
Sub-Saharan Africa
Middle East & North Africa
Central Asia and Eastern Europe aC/
A/ East Asia, Pacific
South Asia - aC
The Course Format
The MOOC is divided into four weekly weeks. Each week has its own structure with activities, resources and exercises. You will find different course materials each week.
Video talks from climate experts and practitioners - Interactive
Interactive Tools: The Carbon Footprint Tracker (I) NDC platform
Resources: The week's theme has fun interactives and core (deep diving),
AC/Quizzes are designed to test your knowledge and reinforce lessonas material. They also provide instant feedback.
You will be able to sharpen your communication skills through aC/Assignments
Forums and social media for discussion that allow collaboration with other people from all over the globe, enriching interactions among participants
You will be creating a digital artifact as your final project.
Optional exercises, networking or discussion forums are also options. You may even want to delve deeper into the rich array of resources we offer. To facilitate the interaction between experts and learners, we will also use e-discussions and other tools.
Recommend Background: There is no need to have any background knowledge. This course can be used by students of any discipline.
Use the hashtag #learnclimate to connect with others and communicate via Twitter. Register for free at http://twitter.com
