Biennial course. Offered 11 November - 22 November 2013, not offered in 2014.

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 at the ANU during the United Nations Climate Change Conference and associated Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (CoP). Work during the course includes engaging with selected themes represented in webcasts of negotiations, conference sessions, workshops and side events; analysing formal and informal media coverage of the Conference; and interacting with policy makers, lobbyists, NGOs and scientists involved in the process. Interactions occur via online links to participants in the Conference, and in person with key experts in Canberra. Themes addressed at recent conferences include technology transfer for adaptation, ethical issues in climate change, adaptation financing, reducing deforestation and associated emissions, adaptation barriers for least-developed countries, biodiversity and climate change, energy efficiency, and the role of young people in climate change action. The course will be held during the UNFCCC Conference in November 2013.

A preparatory workshop will be held 2-3 weeks prior to course commencement.

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

1. Evaluate a range of current international perspectives on biophysical, social and governance issues in climate change vulnerability, adaptation and mitigation. (LO1)
2. Appraise current international climate change negotiation processes, on the basis of observations. (LO2) 
3. 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. (LO3)
4. Synthesise information from a diverse range of written and oral sources on a self-selected theme/topic in the context of climate change science and policy . (LO4)

• Essay on a theme relevant to the UNFCCC Conference (40%) (LO1-4)
• Presentation on live issues emerging during the UNFCCC Conference (30%) (LO1-4)
• Reflective learning journal, including critical appraisal of formal and informal media reporting of the UNFCCC Conference and its outcomes (30%) (LO1-4)

30 contact hours, plus up to 100 hours of non-contact time.  Contact hours are allocated across lectures, workshops, tutorials and presentations, including real-time interaction with participants in the UNFCCC Conference.

To enrol in this course you must have completed ENVS3020 or SRES3020.