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Prepare for the challenge, unravel complexity

Sem02 (2024-2025) Climate Challenge: The butterfly effect, humans and global warming*

In this course, we will delve into the science of global warming, examine societal dimensions, and strategies to address the climate challenge. Additionally, we will develop ideas to improve the communication of climate science.

Throughout the lectures, we will cover the different sides of the climate challenge, ranging from the science of the earth system to the societal and economic implications, from the politics to the controversies. Renowned experts from various institutes will deliver the lectures.

We will search for answers of crucial questions, including:

  • What are the main physical properties of the climate system, and how do they influence predictions and understanding of its future evolution?
  • How to simulate the climate system with climate models and artificial intelligence?
  • What are the costs associated with climate change, and what uncertainties exist in climate economics?
  • How has the international community addressed the challenge of climate change, and what expectations can we have for future climate policy?

After each lecture, we will engage in discussions focused on identifying counterintuitive and complex concepts and relationships within the topic. Together, we will brainstorm ways to communicate these ideas more effectively.

You will form teams to write an essay and delve into the heart of one of the several aspects of climate challenge discussed during the lectures. You will also present and discuss your findings.

Course details

  • Practical information

    Academic year
    2024 - 2025

    Semester

    Period
    4, 5 and 6

    Day(s)
    Tuesday

    Time
    17:30 – 19:45

    Number of meetings
    13

    Dates of all meetings
    4, 11, 18 February 2025
    4 March 2025
    1, 8, 15, 22 April 2025
    6, 13, 20 May 2025
    3, 10 June 2025

    Location
    Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam

    Room
    Tbd

    Credits
    6

    Lecturers

    • Dr. Melinda Galfi (coordinator) – VU, Institute for Environmental Studies
    • Dr. Paolo Scussolini – VU, Institute for Environmental Studies
    • Dr. Pepijn Bakker – VU, Earth Sciences
    • Tamara Happe – VU, Institute for Environmental Studies
    • Dr. Rene van Westen – Utrecht University
    • Prof. Dr. Hans Cornelissen – VU, Systems Ecology
    • Prof. Dr. Wouter Botzen – VU, Institute for Environmental Studies
    • Prof. Dr. Jeroen Aerts – VU, Institute for Environmental Studies
    • Prof. Dr. Detlef van Vuuren –Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) & University of Utrecht
    • Prof. Dr. Joyeeta Gupta – UvA & Unesco IHE
    • Prof. Dr. Philipp Pattberg – VU, Institute for Environmental Studies
  • Learning objectives

    The primary objective of this course is to equip you with the tools necessary to navigate the Climate Challenge, comprehend its implications and explore potential solutions. By the end of the course, you will be able to:

    • Apply knowledge of climate physics to discuss climate change facts and impacts at an academic level.
    • Understand the societal aspects of climate issues and generate ideas for addressing this challenge.
    • Grasp abstract climate-related concepts and develop ideas for a better scientific communication
    • Justify, to yourself and others, the complexity of the climate system and the need for appropriate measures.
    • Enhance your scientific communication skills.
  • Working formats & structure

    Lectures, discussions, writing in teams

  • Assessment methods

    Individual essay (50%),  duo presentation (35%) and active participation (15 %)

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