Module Information

This module will be taught in ten two-hour sessions, which are organised into three thematic sections. In the section A, students are introduced to the IPCC report on climate change. For the first assignment students will make a short film to highlight the different ways in which the findings of the IPCC synthesis report have been portrayed in the media by a variety of groups, including sceptical organisations.

In section B, there are a series of staff-led research case studies. The topics covered in this section may vary but indicative topics relate to the effects of changing climate on the carbon and nitrogen cycles and the ecosystem services they provide. This provides the framework and guidance for the final section and the second assignment.

In section C, students research and develop their own impact case studies on an environment, process or region of their choice. Guidance is provided in workshops where students are helped to develop their ideas. They then present them orally to the group in order to obtain formative feedback, before writing up their reports for the second assignment.

Section A. Introduction to the Module and the IPCC Report.

1. Introduction to the module and the IPCC 5th Assessment Report (Physical Science)

Students are briefed on the module structure and assignments. Key resources are provided, including the IPCC 5th Assessment Report. Discussion on the contested portrayal of climate science from various sources including, the Global Warming Policy Foundation, James Delingpole, Christopher Monckton, George Monbiot, The Guardian, Fred Pearce). Assignment 1 set.

2. Discussion of the IPCC 5th Assessment Report (Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability).

The second major IPCC document on "Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability" is introduced and discussed. Students will introduce key concepts of one aspect (chosen in previous week) and lead a discussion to digest and evaluate the findings. Progress on assignment 1 will be discussed.

3. Presentation of media portrayal of IPCC climate science film (Assignment 1).

Students present their completed short films on the media portrayal of the IPCC document. The video content, style, and ability to respond to questions will be assessed.

Section B. Staff-led research case studies (indicative topics, these may vary)

4. Will the currently stable Kalahari dune-fields remobilise?

There is considerable debate over the future stability of the Kalahari. Climate models have been used to demonstrate that aridification of southern Africa will lead to widespread dune reactivation and a collapse of the pastoral economy. However, other work has concluded that for the foreseeable future, and despite increasing aridity, dunes will remain stable with little impact on ecosystem productivity. This lecture critically examines these competing predictions. Assignment 2 set.

5. Soil carbon stores: Win-win or lose-lose scenarios?

Soils are the largest terrestrial store of C, and CO2 from soils is the largest source of C to the atmosphere. Warming increases soil microbial activity and the rate at which organic C is broken down and released as CO2. Will warming lead to a collapse of soil organic matter and the ecosystem services soil provides, consequently accelerating soil CO2 emissions (the lose-lose scenario)? Or can we use strategies to protect soil C, keep it in soil and out of the atmosphere (the win-win scenario)?

6. Changes in global nitrogen cycling: how is recent nitrogen deposition affecting ecosystem processes?

N is an essential nutrient for life, but mineral N is now being produced on industrial scales and in far greater quantities than in the past. While increased production, mainly as a fertilizer, has allowed global food production to keep pace with growing human demands, it can also decrease water and air quality, reduce plant species diversity and exacerbate global warming. This lecture examines how global N availability (the supply of N relative to the demand) has changed over different temporal scales and discusses concerns about whether the biosphere is able to soak up this extra N and what that means for future ecosystem processes.

7. Climate impacts on tropical Andean ecosystems: What are the implications for natural resource availability in a biodiversity hotspot?

The highly diverse ecosystems of the elevated tropical Andes are vulnerable to increasing human occupation and future climate change. To develop an effective policy to conserve and manage this ecosystem, a robust understanding of the region's natural history, current pressures, and predicted
climate change are required. In this lecture, we examine on-going alterations in this mountain environment on different spatial and temporal scales, discuss the implications for ecosystem services and natural resources, and assess the consequences for the rural and urban populations.

Section C. Student-led case studies and workshops.

8. Student presentations of case studies

Students orally present their progress and ideas on assignment 2. Although this is not summatively assessed, students need to demonstrate how they have reflected, and acted upon, the feedback they receive on their presentations. This reflection will form a sub-component of assignment 2.

9. Assignment 2 surgery

Staff will be available to give advice and guidance on assignment 2 in advance of the deadline.

Assignment 2 due.