The course builds on the theoretical understanding of the complex issues that need to be addressed in adapting to and mitigating climate change, and the international policy processes to address climate change, developed in ENVS3020.  With an emphasis on integrating formal learning with first-hand experience, the course is conducted principally at the biennial United Nations Climate Change Conference and associated Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (CoP).  Work at the Conference includes engaging with selected themes represented in conference sessions, workshops, side events and displays; attending negotiation sessions of the CoP; and interacting with policy makers, lobbyists, NGOs and scientists from the international community.  Themes addressed at recent conferences include technology transfer for adaptation, ethical issues in climate change, reducing deforestation and associated emissions, adaptation barriers for least-developed countries, biodiversity and climate change, energy efficiency, financial mechanisms for adaptation and mitigation, and the role of young people in climate change action.  At the 2007 Bali Conference student delegates from the ANU met Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and other senior members of the Australian delegation, and heard a range of high-profile speakers including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Nobel Prize winner Al Gore, IPCC Chairman Dr Rajendra Pachauri and Sir Nicholas Stern, author of the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change.   The course will be held at the Conference in Copenhagen in 2009.

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with later year undergraduate students but are assessed separately.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Critically evaluate a range of current international perspectives on biophysical, social and governance issues in climate change vulnerability, adaptation and mitigation
2. Critically appraise current international climate change negotiation processes, on the basis of observations
3. Critically evaluate the connections among diverse issues, approaches and international, national and sectoral perspectives in applying scientific knowledge to policy formulation for climate change adaptation and mitigation
4. Synthesise and critique information from a diverse range of written and oral sources in the context of a self-selected theme/topic in the context of climate change science and policy, with application to their professional experience

Assessment will be based on:

• Statement of pre-trip learning goals and motivation, in the context of professional experience (10%; LO 1)
• Essay on self-selected study theme, researched before, during and after the field component (25-45%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Presentation on study theme following completion of field component (15%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Reflective learning portfolio, including critical appraisal in response to questions and discussion during the field component, and analysis of required reading (30-50%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)