Module 1: Introduction to Climate Change Science

•             An overview of key concepts such as climate, weather and the greenhouse gas effect. 

•             Human contribution to climate change and provides an overview of important greenhouse gases and their main sources. 

•             Describes some of the main observed changes in the climate since the industrial revolution. 

•             Projected future trends and impacts of climate change on surface temperature, precipitation, ocean pH, sea-level and Arctic sea-ice extent. 

•             An overview of main sources of scientific climate information, relevant programmes and institutions.

Learning Objectives

After completing Module 1, participants will be able to:

• Explain the basic concepts of climate change science.

• Identify the anthropogenic drivers of climate change.

• Explain observed and projected trends and impacts in the climate.

• Analyse different climate change scenarios and their implications.

Sections

1. Introduction to Climate Change Science

2. Anthropogenic Drivers of Climate Change

3. Observed Trends and Impacts of Climate Change

4. Projected Trends and Impacts of Climate Change

5. Sources of Scientific Data

Module 2: Introduction to the International Legal and Policy Framework to Address Climate Change

•             An overview of how the international legal and policy framework to address climate change developed over time and points out some of the key issues under negotiation.

•             A brief history of international climate change negotiations and introduces the 4

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Section 2 presents the key provisions of the UNFCCC, its organisational structure, and different Party groups under the

Convention. 

•             The Kyoto Protocol and its associated bodies, as well as key commitments by Parties.

•             Provides an overview of main negotiation issues. 

•             discusses how the negotiations have evolved over the past years (from a two-track to a one-track approach) and highlights some of the key issues relevant for a future climate change regime.

Learning Objectives

After completing Module 2, participants will be able to:

• Describe the main aims and provisions of the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol.

• Identify the main organizations and bodies that operate under the UNFCCC and its Kyoto

Protocol.

• Explain why the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol are important to developed and developing

countries.

• Analyse key points relevant for a post-2020 climate change regime.

Sections

1. The Climate Change Policy Framework

2. Provisions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

3. The Kyoto Protocol

4. Main Issues and Negotiation Streams

5. Towards a Post-2020 Regime

Module 3: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation

Iintroduces the concept of climate change adaptation, highlights ways to measure

vulnerability, introduces examples of adaptation solutions and summarizes how to prepare a planned response. 

•             Key definitions and introduces some of the expected consequences of climate change on key sectors. Section 2 provides a framework for assessing climate vulnerability.

•             Lists of different adaptation measures that can be implemented for various vulnerable sectors.

•             A short introduction to linkages between climate change adaptation and development.

•             A number of important international adaptation initiatives and programmes.

Learning Objectives

After completing Module 3, participants will be able to:

• Explain the importance of adaptation in preparing for and coping with climate change.

• Outline key elements of a vulnerability assessment.

• Identify adaptation options.

• Analyse linkages between climate change adaptation and development planning. 

Sections

1. Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation

2. Conducting a Vulnerability Assessment

3. Identifying and Selecting Adaptation Options

4. Linking Adaptation and Development Planning

5. International Initiatives to Support Climate Change Adaptation

Module 4: Introduction to Climate Change Mitigation

This module introduces the political context to greenhouse gas emissions, who the key emitters are and what strategies can be applied to bring down emissions to safe levels. 

•             Key definitions of mitigation and presents an overview of emissions levels and mitigation targets per country. 

•             Explores ways to integrate mitigation into development planning, through low emission development strategies. 

•             Identifies the main economic sectors where mitigation actions can be applied.

•              Some of the key international mechanisms created to assist countries in planning and implementing mitigation actions.

Learning Objectives

After completing Module 4, participants will be able to:

• Explain the importance of climate change mitigation and low carbon development.

• Describe relevant policy approaches and strategic frameworks.

• Identify key sectors for low carbon development and outline relevant mitigation options.

• Define main international mechanisms to support climate change mitigation and low carbon

development.

Sections

1. Introduction to Climate Change Mitigation and Low Carbon Development

2. Strategic Frameworks and Policy Approaches for Mitigation and Low Carbon Development

3. Sectors with High Mitigation Potential

4. International Initiatives to Support Climate Change Mitigation

 

Module 5: Introduction to Climate Change Finance

This module provides the learner with an understanding of existing financing flows and future needs, as well as a basic typology of financing sources. 

•             The different meanings of the term climate finance. 

•             National financing and the centrality of the national budget in leveraging other sources of finance, including private sector finance. 

•             Features the major streams of international climate finance.

Learning Objectives

After completing Module 5, participants will be able to:

• Describe the overall landscape of climate change finance sources.

• Identify main elements of national planning for climate finance.

• Define key elements of the international climate change finance architecture.

• Analyse challenges and opportunities for developing countries in terms of accessing and

managing climate finance.

Sections

1. Introduction to Climate Change Finance

2. National Climate Change Finance

3. International Climate Change Finance

Module 6: Introduction to Planning for Climate Change

•             An overview of different dimensions and entry points for climate change planning.

•             Examine the roles of national and sectoral, as well as sub-national institutions in climate change planning. 

•             Explains a five-step methodology for preparing a low-emission climate-resilient development strategy. 

•             Some of the main international initiatives to support climate change planning.

Learning Objectives

After completing Module 6, participants will be able to:

• Explain why it is important to integrate climate change into planning processes in a country.

• Explain the roles of national, sub-national and local institutions in planning for climate change.

• Analyze the main elements of a recognized climate change planning methodology.

• Identify international initiatives which support countries to plan for climate change.

Sections

1. Introduction to Climate Change Planning

2. The Role of National and Sectoral Institutions in Climate Change Planning

3. The Role of Sub-National Institutions in Climate Change Planning

4. A Methodology for Climate Change Planning

In order to demonstrate their understanding of the course content, students will be required to submit assignments at the end of every month.

Duration of course – 6 months

REGIONS TARGETED: Global

Courses Fees € 800

To register for course, please contact:

Online Training Coordinator

Africa Institute for Project Management Studies

Email: info@africadevelopmentresources.org

Website: www.africadevelopmentresources.org