Overview
(Weeks 3-4)
This unit will introduce the conceptual building blocks to understand what climate risk is and to motivate and justify different types of climate assessments. The conceptual origins of how we understand risk and vulnerability to climate change emerge from the literature on natural hazards and the field of disaster risk reduction, both of which are connected to international development. Vulnerability has numerous and varying definitions; what they share are elements of exposure to a hazard that is mediated by social capacities or characteristics that shape outcomes of exposure.
One of the most important foundations that can support an understanding of the need for adaptation lies in what is called differential vulnerability. Through this concept we understand why the same hazard, for example, a flood in a river valley, often has vastly different consequences for different people.
This unit is also an opportunity to explore the key concepts that help us understand current and future climate conditions and the role they play in risk and other climate assessments. We will build on foundations laid in SPCC 614 / CALS 500 to connect changing climatic conditions with climate-related hazards and risk.
Activities & Assessment Overview
- Complete Unit 2 Readings. The readings for this unit focus on building your practical knowledge around climate risk assessment methods and approaches.
- Complete Assignment 1.
- Contribute to the MACAL course community.