Courses & Units

Responding to Climate Change KGA105

Introduction

The course of climate change can be altered, and science tells us the next decade will be crucial. Averting a climate catastrophe depends on rapid action to reduce greenhouse gases, as well as widespread adaptation to minimise the impact of the changes already being felt. This unit considers why we have not acted quickly as a society so far and what some of our options are going forward. We will explore policy responses and practical solutions that may help us reduce the most damaging changes to Earth’s climate and associated impacts on human and natural systems. Building on the knowledge of climate science gained in Introduction to the Science of Climate Change (KGA104), the unit explores pathways to reduce the most extreme effects of climate change, including international agreements on reduction of greenhouse gases and other mitigation measures such as carbon sequestration and drawdown and alternative energy sources. The unit additionally examines social movement demands and communication of climate change. In this unit you will also look at climate change through the lens of ethics, justice and injustice, and investigate how indigenous knowledges can instruct us in our responses to climate change. You will think about climate change and system change and ask whether current economic systems based on growth are compatible with averting catastrophic climate change.

Summary

Unit name Responding to Climate Change
Unit code KGA105
Credit points 12.5
College/School College of Sciences and Engineering
School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Discipline Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Coordinator Doctor Nicholas Earl-Jones
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Online Semester 1 Off-Campus International Domestic
Online Semester 2 Off-Campus International Domestic

Key

On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 26/2/2024 22/3/2024 15/4/2024 2/6/2024
Semester 2 22/7/2024 16/8/2024 9/9/2024 27/10/2024

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain key national and international policy responses relevant to mitigating climate change and future energy scenarios in Australia
  • Discuss climate adaptations, including options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, that will be necessary to live on a changing planet
  • Explain the ethical, justice and equality issues related to climate change across Australia and internationally.
  • Identify solutions to engage individuals and society in addressing climate change

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
050999 $1,118.00 $1,118.00 not applicable $3,068.00

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KGA104 Introduction to the Science of Climate Change

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Fully online unit with asynchronous online activities.

AssessmentMedia Article (20%)|5-minute video (40%)|Reflective Essay (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

LinksBooktopia textbook finder

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