Climate Change - Science, Impacts and Adaptation, Mitigation

Based on findings from the latest IPCC report (AR6) the theoretical background on the physical science basis of climate change, theory and practical application of adaptation and mitigation measures in biological, physical and chemical systems will be presented. In a related seminar, selected topics on climate change mitigation and adaptation will be intensified in case studies.

After this module, the students can understand the physical basis of the climate system, identify all drivers of climate change and falsify common arguing of "climate sceptics". They can summarize observed changes in the climate system as well as impacts in drivers systems and regions. They are able to assess cross-sectorial impacts of climate change in selected areas, to evaluate and develop adaptation and mitigation measures and strategies in biological, physical and chemical systems including an analysis of their effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.

Assessment consisting of oral examination on the lecture and the seminar (30 min). In the oral examination, students are expected to demonstrate that they have understood the physical basis of the climate system and that they can identify the drivers of climate change. The students show that they are able to apply their knowledge to develop adaptation and mitigation measures and to argue in discussions on climate change issues. In addition, there is the option of taking a voluntary mid-term assignments as coursework in accordance with APSO §6, 5. For this, a presentation (20 min + 10 min discussion) has to be given. In the presentation, the students summarize findings from scientific publications or case studies and present the content to an audience. Additionally, the students are expected to demonstrate that they are able to respond competently to any questions, suggestions or discussions brought by the audience and relating to their subject area. The module grade can be improved by 0.3 by passing the coursework if this better characterizes the student's performance level on the basis of the overall impression and the deviation has no influence on passing the examination. No repeat date is offered for the mid-term performance. When retaking a failed module examination at the next possible examination date, successfully passed mid-term assignments will be taken into account.

Basic knowledge in meteorology, physics, biology.

• IPCC, 2023: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core Writing Team, H. Lee and J. Romero (eds.)]. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland, pp. 35-115 Selected chapters from the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC-AR6) 2021, 2022, 2023 and most recent scientific literature.

Lecture on physical basis of the climate system, impacts of climate change and important mitigation strategies. In the seminar group presentations of various topics regarding adaptation and mitigation of climate change will be presented as case studies.