SLM-51306 Adaptation to Climate Change in Developing Countries

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

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

Contents:

Developing countries are much more vulnerable to climate change than developed nations. Especially in the more arid parts of the tropics, climate change will have pronounced effects on livelihoods through the intensification of the hydrological cycle. This will result in more droughts and floods which are both destructive for agriculture production. This course will focus on how vulnerability can be reduced by adapting to climate change. Students will work on adaptation strategies for land and water management based on climate change projections.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- use various methodological approaches to study climate-related physical, socio-political and economic issues in developing countries, including the prospects of adaptation to climate change;
- cooperate within a multidisciplinary team;
- contribute to the design and development of measures dealing with climate change.

Activities:

- lectures;
- literature study;
- a group assignment to assess a case study in a developing country under climate change;
- presenting the results as a group.

Examination:

- written examination (40%, but >5.5);
- group presentation (40%, but >5.5);
- attendance and input to the discussions (20%).

Literature:

Reader, lecture notes and case study guidelines.