From Climate Science to Action

Each part of the world faces specific vulnerabilities to climate change and has different opportunities to mitigate the effects and build resilience in the 21st century. With the ratification of the Paris Agreement, many countries have acceded to act in combatting climate change. Indeed, without climate action, decades of sustainable development is at risk, thus making this a ‘make or break’ point in time. Showcasing the most recent scientific evidence, explaining the different regional impacts and divulging climate action strategies, along with interactive tools such as a Carbon Footprint Tracker and (I) NDC Platform, this MOOC provides some opportunities, where you can take action on climate change.About the Course

This action-oriented MOOC gives you the opportunity to learn about regional climate change impacts and sector-specific strategies to increase resilience and move towards a low-carbon future. You will have the opportunity to explore these issues in depth and tailor your learning experience for one or more of the following regions:

• Latin America and Caribbean • Sub-Saharan Africa • Middle East and North Africa • Eastern Europe and Central Asia • East Asia and Pacific • South Asia

In this endeavor, the MOOC brings together renowned scientists and policymakers to provide a synthesis of the most recent scientific evidence on climate change, regional low emissions and climate resilient development strategies across sectors. A team of expert Instructors will lead discussions around the Paris Agreement, reflections from COP22 and the progress on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Course Syllabus

Overview

‘From Climate Science to Action’ is divided into four weeks. The first two weeks will provide a comprehensive overview of the scientific evidence for climate change, followed by region-specific insights on the impacts of a warmer world in the 21st century. The last two weeks will focus on action strategies that are being undertaken in different regions and countries to meet the climate challenge, and how you as an individual can take action to avoid a warmer world!

Week 1: Climate Change in the 21st Century

• Historical and projected observed changes in the climate system, leading up to the end of the 21st century • The potential of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) submitted at COP 21 from 187 countries to induce climate action • Trends in climate change impacts, including loss of Arctic sea ice, melting glaciers, increased heat waves and extreme temperatures, and drought and aridity • Possible responses from natural systems, explaining how warming could result in sea-level rise, heat waves and extreme temperatures, and ocean acidification

Week 2: Sectoral and Regional Impacts

• Impacts on key development sectors—from warming above pre-industrial temperatures and projected climate trends—across each of the world’s regions • Sectoral impacts focusing on agricultural production, water resources, ecosystem services, and coastal vulnerability for affected populations • Importance of risks with the potential to reverse hard-won development gains and potentially trap millions in poverty, illustrating the need for urgent action now

Week 3: From Science to Action on Climate Change

• Region-specific discussions on mitigation actions needed to reduce emissions while decreasing vulnerability to climate change impacts through adaptation and by building climate resilience • Perspectives from regional experts on their experiences in strategies and actions proposed in each region to help transition towards a low-emissions, climate-resilient development path • Discussions on the progress of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), outcomes of the Paris Agreement and reflections from the Conference of Parties (COP)22

Week 4: What You Can Do

• Transformative impact of day-to-day changes when brought to a global scale • The rationale for acting now, acting together and acting differently • Examples and expected benefits of mitigation and adaptation policies, considering both contributions to global emission reductions and local development opportunities

In addition to the core resources and assignments, you may choose to go further, engaging in fun optional exercises, networking, discussion, and diving deeper into our rich selection of supplemental resources. You will have the opportunity to explore these issues in depth and tailor your learning experience for one or more of the following regions:

• Latin America and Caribbean • Sub-Saharan Africa • Middle East and North Africa • Eastern Europe and Central Asia • East Asia and Pacific • South Asia

Course Format

This MOOC has a week-by-week structure, with resources, activities and exercises for you to engage in during each of the four weeks of the course. Each week, you will find a variety of course material, including:

• Interactive video talks by renowned climate scientists and practitioners • Interactive tools: the Carbon Footprint Tracker, (I) NDC platform • Resources: Core, optional (deep dive) and fun interactives on the week’s theme • Quizzes that check your knowledge, reinforce the lesson’s material and provide immediate feedback • Assignments that will sharpen your skills of analysis, reflection and communication • Discussion forums and social media that enable collaboration with others from around the world, enriching interaction among participants • As a final project, you will create a digital artifact

You can also go much further than this, engaging in optional exercises, networking, or discussion forums and dive deeper into our rich selection of additional resources. We also will use e-discussions, and other tools to facilitate dialogue between the learners and experts.

Recommended Background: No background knowledge is necessary. The content of this course is designed to be accessible to students from any discipline.

Connect: Communicate and share resources via Twitter using hashtag #learnclimate. Sign up for a free account at http://twitter.com

None

Syllabus

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Climate Change in the 21st Century
Week 2
Sectoral and Regional Impacts
Week 3
From Science to Action on Climate Change
Week 4
What You Can Do

FAQ

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.

The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

How do I register for this MOOC?

On this page (https://www.coursera.org/learn/climate-science), click on "Enroll Now". You will need to fill in your account information (name, e-mail, password) and sign up to the Coursera, if you are not done so already.

When does the course begin?

The official start date for the course is: May 8, 2017. The course is open for enrollment in advance. However, the course site will only open on the start date.

What language is the course available in?

The course is presented and closed captioned in English. Click the “cc” button on the video to view captions. English proficiency is highly recommended for an optimal learning experience.

What is the format of the course?

The course is offered over a four-week period covering the following themes:

Week 1: Climate Change in the 21^st Century

Week 2: Sectoral and Regional Impacts

Week 3: From Science to Action on Climate Change

Week 4: What You Can Do: Acting Individually to Address the Climate Challenge

How can I get the most out of the course?

To get the most out of this course, you must be an active learner. Access the lessons as often as possible. Review the videos and core readings, and complete the quizzes and peer assignments. We also encourage you to engage with other participants through the discussion forums, meetups or social media channels aligned with the course. Applying what you learn through the final project or other assignments will also be vital to your learning.

How can I get the certificate?

Together with completing the course requirements, and paying a $5 fee, you will receive a Course certificate from Coursera. Course requirements include gaining a cumulative score of 50% in the following required activities: three quizzes, two peer review assignments and a final project. These core resources and assignments will take around three hours per week to complete.

Do I have to do the assignments and quizzes?

No. If you are not concerned about formally completing the course and receiving a Course Certificate, you can dip in and out of the course, make connections with others, and learn some new things. You are more than welcome to do this in whatever way makes the most sense for you.

Who do I contact for help on this course?

You can find some tips to troubleshoot technical problems from Coursera in this page https://learner.coursera.help/hc/en-us. If you have any further questions please send us an email with your question to [email protected]

Reviews

this is for your kind information that due to some technical problem i am suffering too much. kindly consider and give me certificates . Thanking you. NABAKISHORE PANDU

Well crafted course with adequate exposure to current situation and visibility to tools and techniques to deal with climate change issues

Very informative and well-organized. It would be great if we could view the discussion forums first before posting.

Very interesting course to understand future international challenges and discover impacts of climate change across the world.