Learning objectives
The following constitute specific training objectives of this course:
- knowledge of the key concepts of the phenomenology of climate change
- knowledge of the elements of climate change mitigation and adaptation policies
- ability to evaluate the pros and cons of different actions to reduce climate-changing emissions and to adapt to climate change
- ability to grasp the connections between the climate problem and other environmental and social crises
- knowledge of the main aspects of national and international policies on climate change;
- ability to analyze the political and social repercussions of strategies to combat climate change;
- ability to evaluate information on the topic of climate change and the main obstacles to spreading awareness of the climate crisis.
Prerequisites
none
Course unit content
The course provides an overview of the problem of climate change, providing the main notions on the phenomenology of the problem, the possible future scenarios, the adaptation and mitigation actions to address it, as well as on the actions already implemented at national, European and international levels. The related social and cultural aspects are addressed, concerning the management of the inevitable impacts, the transitions necessary for rapid implementation of response actions. Possible communication activities to increase awareness of the climate crisis and its implications are also discussed, with a critical analysis of the topics and techniques used by disinformation campaigns.
Full programme
1. Introduction: history of climate science, available scientific sources and management of uncertainty.
2. Phenomenology of climate change: natural and anthropogenic causes, scenarios and future projections.
3. Impacts of climate change: on the environment and human societies.
4. Adaptation to climate change: types of adaptation and actions, adaptation plans at different scales.
5. Climate change mitigation: options available in different sectors (energy, transport, buildings, agriculture, food), pros and cons and potential for reductions.
6. The climate negotiation: history of the negotiation, from UNFCCC to the Paris Agreement. Comparison between the actions of different states and world regions.
7. Climate policies: at a European and national scale.
8. The carbon economy: costs, benefits and the carbon market.
9. The social impacts of the climate crisis and transition: North-South equity and just transition.
10. Sustainable development goals and climate change: synergies, conflicts and climate justice.
11. Climate change communication: between denialism, inactivism and alarmism
12. Climate change in art: cinema, literature, music.
Bibliography
The course material (pdf files of the slides used in the lessons) will be progressively made available on the relevant page of the Elly portal. The slides are considered an integral part of the teaching material.
Some short notes and some texts for further information will be provided.
Suggested texts (optional) are:
IPCC (2023) Climate Change 2023- Sixth assessment report – Synthesis report. Summary for policymakers.
Archer D. (2007) The Long Thaw. Princeton University Press
Jamieson D. (2014) Reason in a dark time. Oxford University Press.
Oreskes N., Conway E. (2010) Merchants of doubt. Bloomsbury Press
Mann M. (2020) The New Climate War: The Fight to Take Back Our Planet. Scribe Uk.
Teaching methods
The educational path is divided into a series of lessons, some carried out in the presence of other teachers or experts. During the lessons, dialogue with the classroom will be favored in order to better critically evaluate the topics covered. Some texts provided by the teacher will be discussed.
Assessment methods and criteria
Learning will be verified by a written test.
Other information
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