Responses to Climate Change

The course focuses on the global issue of human-induced climate change. It is a course addressed to environmental studies majors and minors and aims to acquaint students with the mechanisms and concepts related to climate, the greenhouse effect and climate change, as well as with the climate change impacts on natural cycles, ecosystems, biodiversity and human societies. It provides an overview of the basic principles of climate, the greenhouse effect and the physical and chemical changes occurring as a result of human activity, leading to the phenomenon of human-induced climate change. The impacts of climate change, mitigation and adaptation options are also discussed. Furthermore, it extensively discusses scenarios, models and future projections, as well as the available options in matters of mitigation, adaptation and building resilience. Emphasis is on the relevant policy framework and on international responses to climate change.