Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation

This is an intensive course. In 2026, the face-to-face component will be delivered 7 – 18 September. This course examines the climate change problem in terms of vulnerability and adaptation from scientific, societal and policy perspectives. There is now a certain amount of unavoidable climate change, and therefore there a need to adapt to these changing climatic conditions and their consequences. The need to adapt and the kinds of adaptation responses necessary will depend on how the climate changes at a specific location over time, whether the direct or indirect impacts are positive or negative, and the capacity of people and systems to respond. In considering climate change vulnerability and adaptation as a field of study we focus on key theories (conceptual frameworks), methods and sources of information. Key concepts include the IPCC assessment framework, risk, 'co-benefit' and 'no-regret' policy responses, adaptation evaluation criteria, and adaptation policies. Analytical methods covered in the course include climate change scenario analysis and conceptual modelling. Learning approaches include lectures, a field trip, workshop discussions and group work, and practical data analysis exercises. These are assessed in written assignments, including a major report analysing the climate change adaptation policy of a nation. Most course material is available online to enrolled students. Practical exercises will be conducted in a hybrid model.