Climate Change: Mitigation and Adaptation

Overview

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Climate change—or what many refer to as global warming—is one of the most significant threats that humanity faces. "Climate Change and Global Affairs: Mitigation and Adaptation" explores the impacts of climate change worldwide, alongside the strategies available to address this global threat. After completing this course, learners will be able to identify and explain climate change's impacts on humans and the environment, evaluate existing pathways for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, assess different strategies to adapt to climate change's many effects, and evaluate emerging technological approaches to combating climate change. By enrolling in this course, you join a host of policymakers, professionals, and students committed to addressing climate change. By tackling this global challenge, we work to build a more sustainable future.

Syllabus

Module One: Course Introduction

In this introductory module, we discuss course aims, organization, and measures for assessment. By familiarizing themselves with this material, learners will prepare themselves for success in later, more content-driven modules.

Module Two: Mitigating Climate Change

In the context of climate change, mitigation refers to the policies and actions that are meant to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit future warming. Module Two explores the different ways humans emit greenhouse gases, as well as the various steps and strategies that exist to mitigate these emissions. Key areas of exploration include: industry, energy systems, buildings, transportation, and agriculture and land use.

Module 3: How the World Can Adapt to Climate Change Impacts

Module Three explores climate change's varied impacts on human life and the broader environment. It pays particular attention to the efforts that individuals, governments, and industries are making to adapt to a warming world, as well as the social concerns that accompany these efforts.

Module 4: Energy Challenges

Energy is essential for modern society, but at the same time, energy consumption is one of the core drivers of greenhouse gas emissions. Module Four examines the basics of energy, as well as ways to replace fossil fuel-generated energy with electricity and make sure that electricity is generated as cleanly as possible.

Module 5: Emerging Technologies

Module Five explores the history of climate-combatting technology, as well as the new and emerging technologies that industries and governments are adapting to address climate change. Key areas of exploration are artificial intelligence (AI) and geoengineering.

Module 6: Conclusion

Module Six concludes the course. In it, learners will read a brief summary of the material they have covered, take a full course assessment, and explore some additional steps to continue their climate learning journey.