CLIMATE CHANGE RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT

The course aims at imparting a broad understanding of the skills, methods and tools required for conducting analyses of socio-ecological and environmental impacts and vulnerabilities. The final aim of the course is to provide the theoretical and methodological basis to assess, evaluate and ultimately manage risks posed by climate change. The course emphasizes the integration of disciplinary knowledge and covers a wide range of subjects, including scenario development, environmental risk analysis, impact and vulnerability assessment. Attention is paid to both theoretical and practical aspects of risk assessment, underpinned by examples from recent international research. Following an introduction to key concepts and the state of the art in climate risk assessment and evaluation methodologies, the course will provide an overview of the main approaches to climate risk management applied to relevant case studies.

Knowledge and comprehension of the concept of risk applied to climate change in the framework of decision making, including related concepts (hazards, exposure, vulnerability, impacts)
Knowledge and understanding of the terminology related to climate risk assessment and management.
Knowledge of the concept and main components of climate risk management.
Ability to consistently use climate-risk terminology in written assignments and oral discussions.
Ability to critically consult the referenced texts and the related bibliography.
Ability to undertake basic climate risk assessments and to critically evaluate the findings in the context of risk management.

Basic understanding of statistics and probability.
Basic knowledge of some computer tools and programs, including some notions of GIS (Geographical Information System).

The course is articulated into four lecture units, defined as follows
Lecture unit 1 - Introduction to (Comprehensive) Climate Risk Management
- introduction to climate risk management
- the concept of risk
- role of uncertainty and probability
- components and descriptors of risk
- risk and values
(simple comprehension tests and exercises)
Lecture unit 2 - Climate Risk Assessment (part 1/2)
- risk assessment scoping
- risk identification
- risk analysis
- qualitative and quantitative approaches
(simple comprehension tests and exercises)
Lecture unit 3 - Climate Risk Assessment (part 2/2)
- managing complexity: conceptual models of climate risk (impact chains)
- managing complexity: risk storylines
- examples of climate risk assessment (e.g., IPCC, EUCRA, national assessment, ...)
(simple participatory exercise)
Lecture unit 4 – climate risk management and decision making
- risk quantification: from risk matrix to IPCC´s burning embers
- risk evaluation
- reasons for concern (IPCC), tolerability of risk
- dealing with change: Dynamic Adaptation Pathways
(simple comprehension tests and exercises)

See the program of lectures for further detail.

The written exam consists of a summary report of the practical applications compiled by the participants and evaluated (60 % of final score).
Evaluation of ppt presentations concerning issues discussed during the lectures and provided by students during the course will also be considered (40 % of final score)

written and oral

Lectures.
Working groups and presentations concerning issues discussed during the lectures, provided by students.

English

The course may be enriched by the participation of some external lecturers. Attendance is required. Daily preparation is also required. The assignments are set out above in the course syllabus. Academic honesty is an important part of university training. While students may discuss assignments with their classmates and others, they are expected to make sure any written material they submit is their own work. Students are expected to know how to cite the work of others and present a bibliography of the research texts that were used.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Climate change and energy" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development