climate change is a multidimensional problem that must be
studied from all disciplines of knowledge. However, our curricula do not usually
offer a multi- or interdisciplinary understanding of the problem. Furthermore,
although the population perceives it as a very serious problem, there is a notable
lack of knowledge about its nature, effects, possible scenarios, policies, and
responses to the challenge it poses for humanity.
B) Objectives
The main objective of this course is to alleviate the shortcomings of our curricula
and the lack of knowledge of a large part of the population mentioned in the
introduction. To this end, the course offers a multidisciplinary and rigorous vision
of the problem of climate change. Experts in each subject offer this
comprehensive, university-level vision. Although academically rigorous, their
classes are adapted to the necessary introductory level. This is necessary given the
heterogeneous profile that students will have.
In addition to the primary objective, the course has a secondary objective. The
complementary objective is to provide an enriching study abroad experience.
Studying abroad provides students with extraordinary benefits in terms of
academic, cultural, and personal enrichment
Course contents
The course contents (and the areas of knowledge or disciplines that each
subject deals with) are the following:
1. What is Climate Change? Earth's Energy Balance and Greenhouse Gases
(Physics, Earth Sciences, Chemistry)
2. Science Consensus: Why we know that we are to blame (Physics, Earth
Sciences)
3. Feedbacks, tipping points, and future global climate (Physics, Earth
Sciences)
4. Impacts on Physical Systems (Earth Sciences, Geography)
5. Consequences of Climate Change on Cities, Settlements and Key
Infrastructure & Adaptation (Geography, Economics)
6. Consequences of Climate Change on Biological Systems & Adaptation
(Biology, Earth Sciences)
7. Sociology of Climate Change (Sociology, Psychology)
8. Art and Climate Change (Art, Humanities)
9. Science Consensus and the Climate Change Debate (Interdisciplinary)
10. International Response to Climate Change (Political Science, Law,
Economics)
11. Introduction to Climate Change Policy (Economics, Political Science,
Law)
12. Mitigation Strategies (Engineering, Economics, Business)
13. From Mitigation Strategies to Policy (Economics, Political Science)
Climate Change and Business (Business, Finance)
15. Conclusions: The Transition to Net Zero by 2050 (Interdisciplinary)
