Biennial course.  Offered  in 2011 and in 2013. 

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 ENVS6307.  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.  The course will be held at the UN Conference in South Africa in Nov/Dec 2011.

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 

• 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)

65 contact hours, plus 65 hours of non-contact time.  Hours are allocated across pre-field trip preparation (at ANU), field component (overseas) and end of field trip presentations (overseas).

Bachelor degree; no specific knowledge required.

Completion of ENVS6307 Climate Change Science & Policy (formerly SRES6507 Greenhouse Science & Policy) at Distinction level or higher; a written Expression of Interest outlining students' learning goals and motivation for taking the course, and prior academic record, will be used as a basis for selection.