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Climate and Society: past, present and future

Overview

  • Credit value: 30 credits at Level 6
  • Convenor: Dr Aideen Foley
  • Assessment: group project of 4000-5000 words. Grade comprises a weighted average of individual contribution (80%), and group-written material (20%)

Module description

Climate change is one of the biggest threats to the environment that society is currently facing. It is a multifaceted issue, and will not only impact on the natural environment, but also affect a range of economic sectors and policy areas. In this module we discuss in depth the science behind climate change and the myriad ways in which society is affected by and responding to these changes.

We start with a focus on climate change science, through introducing and discussing climate change mechanisms and processes from the (geological) past and the present, and will analyse how climate is expected to change in the near future as a result of continued human actions. During a short field trip you will put your learning into practice and explore how climate change has shaped and is currently shaping the landscape. We then focus on how society is being impacted by ongoing and future climate change, and how adaptation and mitigation strategies are being developed.

Indicative syllabus

  • Climate change, civilisations, and societal change
  • The Anthropocene, colonialism, and environmental legacies
  • Past climate disasters, resilience, and adaptation
  • Climate change impact and adaptation case studies
  • Climate change in media and public discourse

Field and laboratory experience

You will attend two one-day field trips exploring themes relating to the module.

Learning objectives

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

  • understand the main mechanisms driving natural and anthropogenic climate change
  • appreciate the spatial and temporal expression of future climate change
  • explore key impacts of past, present and future climate change on human society
  • appreciate the various ways in which societies past and current have responded to climate change
  • analyse ways in which climate change will impact society in the future and identify what mechanisms there are for adaptation to or mitigation of the expected effects.

Skills development 

  • Critical engagement with natural and urban landscapes 
  • Data analysis 
  • Essay writing 
  • Critical thinking and argumentation 
  • Academic referencing