This course is part of the Exploring Our Responses to Climate Change Specialization

Joseph Casola

Offered By

Exploring Our Responses to Climate Change SpecializationUniversity of Colorado Boulder

About this Course

In this course, learners will identify the types of actions that we can pursue to address climate change. These actions fall into two broad categories: 1) mitigation, which refers to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or enhance carbon sinks, and 2) adaptation, which refers to our preparations for climate impacts. We will explore the technologies, programs, and policies related to both mitigation and adaptation. Learners should leave the course with an improved ability to identify and evaluate climate actions undertaken by communities, governments, and businesses.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

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Course 2 of 3 in the

Exploring Our Responses to Climate Change Specialization

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 6 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

What you will learn

Explain the overall goals of mitigation and adaptation policies

Describe the primary sources of and recent trends in greenhouse gas emissions in the United States

Explain the concept of climate risk, and describe its components

Provide examples of mitigation policies and adaptation efforts

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Course 2 of 3 in the

Exploring Our Responses to Climate Change Specialization

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 6 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

Instructor

Joseph Casola

Instructor

Masters of the Environment

68 Learners

3 Courses

Offered by

University of Colorado Boulder

CU-Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners on one of the most spectacular college campuses in the country. As one of 34 U.S. public institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

Week 1

1 hour to complete

Overview of Climate Action

We will define and discuss examples of mitigation and adaptation.

1 hour to complete

3 videos (Total 19 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

3 videos

What is Policy3m

Mitigation and Adaptation - Part 14m

Mitigation and Adaptation - Part 210m

1 reading

Climate Mitigation and Adaptation10m

1 practice exercise

Quiz 2.130m

Week

Week 2

3 hours to complete

Reducing Emissions

We will dive deeper into climate mitigation, examining the various strategies for reducing emissions. We will also explore some of the policy tools, like carbon pricing, that can motivate and accelerate emissions reductions.

3 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 95 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz

8 videos

The Kaya Identity8m

Mitigation Targets - Part 114m

Mitigation Targets - Part 28m

Emissions Sources16m

Options for Mitigation9m

Policy Tools - Part 111m

Policy Tools - Part 214m

Interview with Kevin Rennert12m

3 readings

US Greenhouse Gas Emissions10m

Social Cost of Carbon 10110m

Carbon Pricing 10110m

1 practice exercise

Quiz 2.230m

Week

Week 3

3 hours to complete

Managing Climate Risk Through Adaptation

We will define climate risk, and demonstrate how adaptation strategies attempt to address different drivers of risk.

3 hours to complete

4 videos (Total 43 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

4 videos

Introduction to Adaptation11m

Adaptation in Practice - Part 17m

Adaptation in Practice - Part 212m

Guiding Principles for Adaptation11m

2 readings

Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change10m

Community Driven Climate Resilience Planning10m

1 practice exercise

Quiz 2.330m

About the Exploring Our Responses to Climate Change Specialization

In this specialization, learners will gain familiarity with the key information sources that constitute the scientific consensus on the human causes of climate change and its associated impacts. We will explore the options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for impacts, drawing heavily from the Fourth US National Climate Assessment. The ultimate goal of the specialization is to empower learners to formulate their own plans for reducing emissions and adapting to future impacts, appropriate for their respective households, communities, and workplaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. 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, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.

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How Do We Manage Climate Change?