Climate Change Related Challenges (LEPE7)

Assistant Professor Maria K. Chorianopoulou, Dr. Olga Karagianni

Description

Climate change as a crisis is a consequence of the unprecedented expansion of human activity and presence across the planet and is one of the three planetary crises, along with the loss of natural habitats, biodiversity, and pollution. Researchers from various scientific fields are involved in the study of climate change phenomena, aiming to describe the phenomenon, predict its evolution, assist in its mitigation and adaptation to its consequences, and shape policies.

The course provides the basic framework for understanding the physical dimensions of climate cycles and the greenhouse effect in relation to the evolution and survival of our species. The climate crisis is examined in a historical context within which the needs of specialized environmental policies emerge. It also examines, as a distinct field of politics within the broader agenda of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Environment Programme.

The course explores, drawing from various scientific fields, the multitude of impacts of climate change phenomena and the risks it poses to human security and survival (primarily in terms of nutrition), the degradation and loss of soil and biodiversity, as well as the pressing issues of competition for the use and management of basic resources (such as land and water), especially in the most vulnerable areas of the planet.

Within the course, the dialogue of recent decades between science and politics in the field of climate change is highlighted, as well as the ongoing confrontation with ethical issues, through the establishment and evolution of the "International Climate Change Regulatory Regime" at global, regional, national, and local levels. Finally, the ethical challenges of climate change in decision-making, planning, and implementing effective actions and policies are examined, along with the utilization and incorporation of the "UNESCO Declaration of Ethical Principles for Climate Change" (2017). Principles of prevention, equality, and justice, the principle of sustainable development, the principle of solidarity, and the principle of scientific knowledge and integrity in decision-making are all considered.

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The course explores, drawing from various scientific fi

Syllabus

Course Syllabus

I. Climate change and the evolution of life on the planet - stories of losses and adaptations.
II. The contemporary climate crisis in the context of the broader ecological crisis - anthropogenic causes, impacts, risks, and challenges.
III. Effects and challenges of climate change in the fields of health and social policy.
IV. Effects and challenges of climate change in the fields of agriculture and forests.
V. Effects and challenges of climate change in the areas of biodiversity, ecosystems, and water resources.
VI. Effects and challenges of climate change for coastal and marine areas.
VII. Climate change as a distinct political field on the agenda of the United Nations' sustainable development goals.
VIII. The geography of the contemporary climate crisis - more polluting sectors and countries & vulnerable areas of the planet - challenges and ethical issues.
IX. Dialogue between science and politics on climate change: the history of the International Climate Change Convention.
X. The Declaration of Ethical Principles for Climate Change by UNESCO & the White Paper on Climate Change by the European Union.
XI. Climate change and Leadership - issues and challenges - strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
XII. Climate change and education.
XIII. Planning and decision-making for climate change - methodological tools & best practices.

Course Objectives/Goals

Τhe phenomenon of climate change constitutes one of the greatest challenges facing humanity and one of the burning issues of the international political agenda of the 21st century. The objectives of the course are:

● Familiarizing students with our evolving understanding of the phenomenon of climate change, its complexity, and the interdisciplinary nature of its study. ● Exposing students to the significant range of impacts of climate change across various sectors, as well as the multiple challenges it poses for the safety and survival not only of humans but also of all living beings on Earth. ● Exploring ethically reasonable choices in decision-making, planning, and political action for mitigating the phenomenon and adapting to it in order to minimize its consequences, at local, regional, and global levels. ● Investigating the fields, processes, and strategies for taking action against climate change, at both individual and collective levels, to reduce vulnerability and increase the resilience and sustainability of ecosystems. ● Exploring specific skills and tools that individuals in leadership positions are called upon to develop and utilize in order to inspire and lead real changes, implementing climate-neutral strategies and actions.

Instructional Methods

This course employs a dynamic blend of instructional methods to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. With a focus on engagement and flexibility, the instructional approach comprises 75% face-to-face teaching, fostering direct interaction between instructors and students in a traditional classroom setting. Additionally, 25% of the course involves distant teaching, which can be delivered either synchronously or asynchronously. This remote component allows students to access course materials, participate in discussions, and engage with learning activities at their own pace, leveraging online platforms and resources. By combining face-to-face interaction with remote learning opportunities, the course aims to cater to diverse learning styles and preferences, facilitating deeper understanding and collaboration among students while accommodating individual schedules and needs.

Assessment Methods

20%: Participation
20%: Oral presentation
60%: Written assignment

Prerequisites/Prior Knowledge

This module has no prerequisites in the curriculum or prior knowledge requirements.

Instructors

Instructors for the course will be announced shortly.

Textbooks

To be added soon.

Bibliography

Dessler, A., Parson E., The Science and Politics of Global Climate Change. A Guide to the Debate, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2006
Gardiner, S.M., (2006), A Perfect Moral Storm: Climate Change, Intergenerational Ethics and the Problem of Corruption. Revised draft of a paper delivered to a workshop on Values in Nature at Princeton University
Gupta, J., Grubb, M. (επιμ.), Climate Change and European Leadership. A Sustainable Role for Europe?, Environment and Policy, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht/Boston/London, 2000
Lӧvbrand, E. (επιμ.) Research Handbook on Climate Governance, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2015
Ostrom, E., Governing the Commons, Cambridge University Press, 1990 Peeters, M., Deketelaere, K. (επιμ.), EU Climate Change Policy. The Challenge of New Regulatory Initiatives, Edward Elgar Publishing, UK, 2006
World Commission on Environment and Development, (1987). Our Common Future, Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development. Published as Annex to United Nations General Assembly document A/42/427: Development and International Cooperation: Environment. August 2, 1987
Yamin, F., Depledge, J., The International Climate Change Regime: A Guide to Rules, Institutions and Procedures, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2004
World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (2010), The Ethical implications of global climate change: report by the World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST), programme and meeting document, United Nations Educational,Scientific and Cultural Organization, France
Dessler Andrew E. (2011), Introduction to Modern Climate Change, Cambridge University Press, ISBN-10: 0521173159