ESS-51306 Integrative Project on Adaptation to Climate Change

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch and/or English

Assumed knowledge on:

ESA-23306 Introduction to Global Change; ENR-22806 Principles of Climate Change Economics and Policy or ESS-21306 Principles of Earth and Ecosystem Science

Continuation courses:

ESS-31806 Biogeochemical Cycles; ESS-32306 Earth System Modeling; ESS-33306 Climate Change: Impacts, Adaptation and Mitigation; ESS-32806 Field Training Earth System Science

Contents:

Climate change increases the vulnerability of low-lying areas. Adaptation through careful spatial planning can reduce this vulnerability. The course focuses on development and assessment of alternative adaptation options in response to climate change under uncertainty. Students will acquire knowledge on the principles of climate change and adaptation and apply their acquired knowledge in an integrated project. Students can choose a case study from 5 selected cases. Based on analyses, scenarios and models, students will design and analyze adaptation strategies in multidisciplinary group assignments (Climate Adaptation Lab). Subjects include: Wide multi-purpose dykes; floating cities and (green)houses; climate buffers, managing flood risks, land use change, agricultural water management and nature management.

Learning outcomes:

Students will be able to:
- demonstrate basic understanding of climate change and how to deal with uncertainty;
- apply skills to identify adaptation options to reduce the vulnerability to climate change impacts;
- use various tools and methods to evaluate and assess the socio-economic and political feasibility of adaptation options;
- cooperate within a multidisciplinary team and contribute to the design and development of policy measures dealing with climate change and its effects on society;
- demonstrate awareness of the widely divergent economic and cultural situations in which people live and the effects that climate change, and measures to mitigate or adapt to it, may have on their well-being.

Activities:

Lectures, computer practicals, project assignments and excursions.

Examination:

Regular exam (50%) and evaluation of project work (50%).

Literature:

Hand-outs will be provided during the course.