INTRODUCTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY GEOG1015
An Interdisciplinary Introduction to Climate Change: A 10-week structured, accredited evening course from the Centre for Sustainable Solutions, based in Geographical and Earth Sciences, and open to students across the University of Glasgow. Centred around providing students with an interdisciplinary introduction to climate change, using approaches from both the social sciences (history, sociology, geography, politics, economics), and the natural sciences (engineering, physics, biology). The course will provide a brief look into historical and sociological causes of the climate crisis, followed by both the physical and human consequences. The course will have a strong focus on potential solutions, drawing on ideas from engineering and science (renewable technology), and politics, sociology, and economics (social change), to leave students with a positive, action-based knowledge base on the context of the climate crisis, and current theories on how to act.
Background: From 11 January- 15 March 2021, and again from 17 January - 21 March 2022, students from the University's Green New Deal movement, presented an evening course for University of Glasgow students: Introduction to Climate Change and Sustainability GEOG1015. Course Convener was the Centre's own Director, Prof Jaime Toney.
On completing this 10 credit, Level 1 (SCQF Level 7) course, students will be able to:
■ Describe the historical causes of climate change, and the consequences it creates.
■ Characterise and discuss the systemic socio-psychological changes in mentality that have led to the climate crisis.
■ Develop a holistic, interdisciplinary understanding of the climate crisis by exploring the roles and interconnections between different subjects and how they impact one another.
■ Analyse, in a case study format, the impact industry can have on the environment and communicate information and analysis through an oral presentation.
■ Critically evaluate the complexity and conflicts of Big Scale Environmental policies and how changes in legislation, laws and economical structures are essential in tackling the Climate Crisis.
■ Describe how different Renewable Energies work, how it can be stored and the politics and logistics around the Energy Problem.
■ Work in a team to develop research and communication skills in an interdisciplinary project exploring potential solutions and actions plans in tackling Climate Change and evolving towards a more sustainable future.
■ Develop communication and debate skills that enable students to demonstrate their ideas effectively and clearly and be confident discussing climate change related issues in the future.