Module details for Adapting To Climate Change - Carbon and Climate Conscious Communities

Description

The module provides examples on using nature-based solutions to help our environment and reduce our carbon footprint. We will explore the concept and reality of carbon and climate conscious communities, providing examples and case studies which will provide an insight into multi-functional spaces that provide multiple benefits to society, environment, and economy. Topics include climate adaptation and mitigation, waste reduction, sustainable water management, improvement/development of green spaces. Through engaging with this module, you will develop the Intellectual, Active Citizen and Digital Abertay Attributes. In particular: Be a problem-solver, tackling complex issues using creativity to adopt to climate change; to be globally conscientious and socially respectful, to be self-reflective, and to develop awareness of your civic, ethical, and environmental responsibilities; to develop digital fluency using appropriate online platform to interact with module content.

Aims

The module focuses on providing guidance on how to adapt our individual life and life within our communities to climate change.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module the student should be able to:

1.  Summarise the concepts of climate conscious communities and apply this learning to case study scenarios of carbon and climate conscious lifestyles.

Indicative Content

1 Climate adaptation and mitigation

Climate change resulting from human activities has impacted our environment, challenging the capacity for nature to support our economy and wellbeing. This topic explores and defines what we mean by climate adaptation and mitigation. The following topics showcase techniques that individuals could use and adopt on their day-to-day basis towards climate adaptation and mitigation.

2 Electric vehicles

Introduction on electric vehicles and discussion on what it takes to own one. Pros and cons of operating electric vehicles are discussed. Challenges such as charging location/duration and range anxiety are explored.

3 Solar power

Using solar energy to generate electricity and heat are discussed. Overall benefits of installing a home-based solar panel and water heating system are explained and pros and cons are discussed.

4 Sustainable water and waste management

Using water in a way that meets current, ecological, social, and economic needs without compromising the ability to meet those needs in the future. Discussing methods of reducing waste and maximising recycling

5 Improvement/development of green spaces

Discussing actions that can be taken to improve green spaces which include increase the number and diversity of trees, increase the variety of planting, improve lighting and security, and increase public engagement in improvement and development of green spaces

6 Case studies

Throughout the module we present case studies and examples to help support the learning and provide inspiration.

Teaching and Learning Work Loads