REGIONAL CLIMATE AND CLIMATE IMPACTS

3.00 points · University catalogue

Course is required for the MA in Climate and Society program. Open to a maximum of 8 additional graduate students, admitted by application to and with the instructor's permission. The dynamics of environment and society interact with climate and can be modified through use of modern climate information. To arrive at the best use of climate information, there is a need to see climate in a balanced way, among the myriad of factors at play. Equally, there is a need to appreciate the range of climate information available and to grasp its underlying basis and the reasons for varying levels of certainty. This includes subseasonal to seasonal climate forecasts for developing climate services for better adapting to climate stresses, and decadal and climate change projections for improved climate policy. Many decisions in society are at more local scales, and regional climate information considered at appropriate scales and appropriately translated to be accessible and salient to stakeholders is key. Students will build a sufficient understanding of the science behind the information, and analyze examples of how the information can and is being used. This course will prepare the ground for a holistic understanding needed for wise use of climate information