University of Geneva
Climate Change and Water in Mountains: A Global Concern
University of Geneva

Climate Change and Water in Mountains: A Global Concern

Taught in English

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13,987 already enrolled

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

Martin Beniston
Markus Stoffel

Instructors: Martin Beniston

4.7

(293 reviews)

Intermediate level
Some related experience required
17 hours to complete
3 weeks at 5 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

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Assessments

11 quizzes

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There are 6 modules in this course

View an introductory video on the ACQWA Project, read key introductory documents, say hello to your fellow classmates and express your interest in the topic.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 discussion prompt

In this module, you will learn about the functioning of the climate system, in particular the numerous interacting components such as the atmosphere, the oceans, the cryosphere and the biosphere. Physical mechanisms that can disrupt climate on different time and space scales will be outlined, and the concepts underlying anthropogenic climate change will be introduced. Following a brief overview of how climate simulation models function, you will be able to see what may be the evolution of climate over coming decades in response to increases in greenhouse-gases in the atmosphere, and what are the limits and uncertainties to these model projections.

What's included

15 videos2 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

In this unit, you will learn about observed trends in glacier retreat and changes in mass balance. Different methods of mass balance measurements are presented. Ongoing and projected climate change by the end of the century will have fundamental consequences on the cryosphere. In this module, you will realize what the consequences of glacier retreat are on glacial runoff regimes and on global scale runoff. You will become familiar with changes in snow cover in different mountain regions of the World. Further, the basic mechanics of glacier flow and an overview of processes leading to glacier instability will allow you to understand how climate variables, among other factors, may potentially modify the frequency of glacial lake drainage, glacier surge and the break-off of glaciers. Finally, this module discusses how the calving of ice sheets will impact sea level rise and where uncertainties persist in the projection of these changes.

What's included

16 videos2 readings1 quiz2 discussion prompts

In this module, you will learn about the impacts of climate change on different sectors, such as the economy, the environment or the health. In mountain regions, glacier retreat, warmer waters or modified runoffs will for instance impact hydroelectric installations production, biodiversity and all kind of living organisms. In the lowlands, the agricultural sector will also have to deal with water scarcity to reduce yield vulnerability. You will also see that warmer temperatures can be beneficial to certain plants like grapevine but that it can also enhance the development of insect pest generating damages or favour disease transmissions to human being.

What's included

16 videos2 readings4 quizzes

In this module, you will learn about the concepts of social network analysis and adaptive capacities, and the central role they play in the implementation of adaptation strategies and in the reduction of ecosystems vulnerability to climate change. The ecosystems will illustrate the mutual benefits that can occur between actors and mechanisms. Concrete examples and case studies will emphasize the mutual benefits and the mechanisms that can occur in a network of actors and how those interactions can help in reducing natural risk disasters.

What's included

13 videos6 readings4 quizzes

In this module, you will learn about the role ongoing climatic changes have on the occurrence of natural hazards in high mountain environments, and how their temporal frequency and magnitude is being influenced by the ongoing warming. Concrete examples and case studies will emphasize these changes in process behavior of glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs), debris flows and rockfalls. In addition to the illustration of changes in the physical processes, this module will also illustrate how Switzerland is coping with these changes and how natural hazard risk is being addressed by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) through an Integrated Risk Management.

What's included

10 videos2 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.6 (85 ratings)
Martin Beniston
University of Geneva
1 Course13,987 learners
Markus Stoffel
University of Geneva
1 Course13,987 learners

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Recommended if you're interested in Environmental Science and Sustainability

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4.7

293 reviews

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Reviewed on Sep 10, 2022

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Reviewed on Nov 22, 2021

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Reviewed on Jun 10, 2020

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