Climate Change Debates

Dr. Shantanu Kumar Saha

Intended learning outcomes of the

course (ILOs)
Knowledge

Understand

anthropogenic

impacts

on

climate

and

climate

vulnerability
Analyze the social changes and adaptations that have been
implemented by the affected communities
Comprehend the ongoing diplomatic efforts with regard to climate
change

Intended learning outcomes of the

course (ILOs)
Skills

Express an opinion on the scope and urgency of the efforts needed to

both mitigate and adapt to climate change
Critical analysis of situation with balanced arguments

Communication, presentation and research techniques

Intended learning outcomes of the

course (ILOs)
ATTITUDE

Group Dynamics and team work

Positive and analytical approach to understand climate issues

Listening critically and respectfully to the ideas of classmates and

willing to participate in debates.

Contents
Topic

Number of
Sessions

Introduction and Basic Concepts- Introduction

to climate system, Greenhouse Gases, Global
warming, CO2 emissions, anthropogenic
activities, everyday life adaptation, Carbon
footprint

Climate change governance- Kyoto Protocol,

UNFCCC, COP15, 19, 20, 21, governance
mechanisms, SDGs

Vulnerabilities and Risks, Adaptation and

Mitigation- Vulnerabilities, Risks, Adaptation,
Mitigation, Disaster Risk Reduction, Coastal
systems,

Contents
Topic

Number of
Sessions

Climate Change and Agriculture- Climate

change and agriculture, food security and
livelihoods

Climate change and health- Climate change

effects on the social and environmental
determinants of health clean air, safe drinking
water, sufficient food and secure shelter.
Patterns of infection, malnutrition, health
awareness and adaptation strategies,

Climate change and urban development- city

planning, drainage congestion, waterlogging,
livelihoods, Water, sanitation, hygiene, Building
resilience to WASH

Contents
Topic

Number of
Sessions

Climate change and migration- Migration

patterns and its link with environment, Push
and Pull factors for migration, Remittances,
Internal and External (International) Migration,
rural-urban migration,

Climate change and Gender- Womens role in

climate change, Adaptation and mitigation to
climate change through women, decisionmaking, gender equality, power relations,
nutrition

Teaching & Learning Method

Lecture
Group study
Assignment
Presentation
Field exposure
Debate

Assessment Schedule
Assessment 1

Class Test

Session Week 2

Assessment 2

Assignment

Session Week 3

Assessment 3

Mid-Term

Session Week 6

examination
Assessment 4

Report

Session Week 12

presentation
Assessment 5

Final exam

Session Week 15

Weights of Assessments
Assessments

Class Test

10

Mid-Term examination
Final term examination
Attendance and class participation
Assignment and presentation

Total

20
40
10
20

100

Grading Policy
A relative or bell-curve grading
system will be followed, so that the
majority will receive a middle grade,
and only a few will get A/A-, or F. The
course teacher will assign mark
ranges to each letter grade, taking
into account the assessment
components and assigned weights,
difficulty level, average academic
ability of the class, etc.

Recommended Reference
Books
Henson, R. (2008). The rough guide to climate
change (2nd ed.). London: Rough Guides.
Wisner, B., Blaikie, P., Cannon, T., & Davis, I.
(2004). At risk natural hazards, people's
vulnerability and disasters (2nd ed.). Abingdon:
Routledge.

Course Policies and Procedures

Class attendance: Regular class
attendance is mandatory. Students
will be assigned F automatically if
he/she is absent six classes.

Contacts
Email: shantanu.kumar@ulab.edu.bd
Office Hours: Sunday Wednesday
3.00-5.00PM