SUM4015 – The science and politics of climate change - understanding the challenges
Course content
Climate change is suggested as one of the most serious problems facing humankind. Human activities have increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to unprecedented levels. A large body of scientific evidence concludes that we can already observe serious consequences of the enhanced greenhouse effect: Glaciers are melting, species distributions are changing, and heat waves are responsible for thousands of deaths. If we do not significantly reduce man-made climate change, the likely consequences are even greater and graver.
Climate change is a very complex issue – both from a scientific and a political perspective. To address the problem we need to understand the scientific uncertainties, the policy challenges and the interlinkages between them.
This course is collaboration between CICERO (Center for International Climate and Environment Research - Oslo) and Centre for Development and the Environment (SUM).
Learning outcome
Student will learn to evaluate and critically discuss the key challenges of climate change. Upon successful completion of the course the students should have advanced insight into the following topics:
The problem:
- The greenhouse effect
- Projections for future climate change
- Impacts of climate change
Dealing with the problem:
- How can we achieve reduced emissions?
- What policy instruments can give us these reductions?
- Fair burden-sharing in a North-South perspective
Coordinating our response:
- Why is it so difficult to establish international cooperation?
- What might a new international climate agreement look like?
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
The Masters study is directed at students with a background in humanities, social sciences or the natural sciences. The minimum requirement for admission is that the students must have a bachelor’s degree (equivalent at least to a good second class honours degree from a reputable university). Students with a natural science background should have at least half a year's studies within the humantities or social sciences to prepare them for the interdisciplinary challenges this programme offers. Students must also have a good working knowledge of English, and should be able to read and follow lectures in this language as well as writing a term paper in English.
Some background from environmental or development studies is required for the course, and applicants that do not have their background from UiO should send documentation of their earlier studies. More information will be available by contacting the studentinfo@sum.uio.no
Examination
Course Paper
Language of examination
English