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Climate Impacts and Resilient Communities

Overview

  • Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
  • Convenor: Dr Aideen Foley
  • Assessment: a 2000-word scientific report (40%) and 3000-word climate adaptation simulation debrief (60%)

Module description

In this module, we will explore the geographies of climate change impacts and vulnerability, and develop an understanding of how climate change is impacting people and the planet, now and in the future.

The resources, governance and social conditions across different geographies shape the vulnerabilities to climate risks. We explore these potential vulnerabilities and focus on the importance of considering climate-related resilience, inequality and justice.

There is a growing recognition that climate change mitigation must be accompanied by adaptation, and this topic forms a significant component of the module. We will explore adaptation options, strategies and transformation in the context of competing priorities, climate uncertainties and equity concerns.

Through engagement with contemporary climate evidence and case studies, you will develop the knowledge and critical skills needed to understand and respond to the complex realities of climate change in academic, policy and professional settings. The module emphasises participatory learning through collaborative classroom activities.

Indicative syllabus

  • Climate narratives and beliefs
  • The climate system
  • Extreme weather
  • Modelling climate change
  • Understanding and interpreting data
  • Resilience and adaptation
  • Climate mobility and vulnerability
  • Climate communication and engagement

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • describe how climate change affects global climate systems and local weather patterns, including the frequency, intensity and distribution of extreme events
  • interpret, critically evaluate and report on climate change information (e.g. datasets, maps, model projections)
  • identify and explain key concepts in adaptation thinking, such as vulnerability, resilience, adaptive capacity, maladaptation and transformation
  • assess and critique adaptation options and strategies, taking into account trade-offs, constraints and equity concerns
  • communicate climate risk and adaptation insights clearly and appropriately to academic, policy, or public audiences.