Please note that this is an on-going project.
Project Description
This course offers students the opportunity to develop an understanding of how policymaking and planning can used to develop effective responses to the problem of climate change. A cross-section of adaptation and mitigation policies and plans are analysed, from the international to the national, state and local levels of government.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
Environmental planners, policymakers, managers and scientists have an extremely important role to play in society. They are the professionals who assist government, business and the community to become sustainable. This course covers some of the essential skills and knowledge needed to fulfill this role.
Outcomes to Date
Approximately 200-300 students take this course each year form a wide variety of backgrounds.
Project Significance
Climate change is a ‘wicked’ problem that challenges the ability of governments to make and implement effective policies and plans from the local to the international level. Two main types of responses have emerged: mitigation to avoid the worst impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and, adaptation to build resilience to the impacts that cannot be avoided. This course explores both in a systematic fashion from the key challenges, institutions and stakeholders, through to both the policymaking and planning processes, and finally to the instruments that have been implemented. Case studies are taken from the local, state, national and international realms to illustrate the points made.