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At the end of this course, the student is able to
- Describe the energy system and its links with climate change;
- Summarize, use and critically reflect on energy and emissions data;
- Evaluate mitigation options and targets;
- Argue their position around the science of climate change;
- Effectively communicate these aspects orally and in writing attuned to various audiences, including researchers, policymakers and investors.
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The reliance of our global energy system on fossil fuels is influencing the climate system and global mean temperature. In the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, countries have agreed to limit global warming to "well below 2C” and make efforts to limit warming to 1.5C. So far, progress is limited while the estimated impacts of climate change seem to get more severe with each report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations’ scientific panel on climate change.
This core course in the Climate and Energy theme within the Science, Management and Innovation (SMI) master specialization will give a thorough introduction to the full physical chain of events – from human activities and energy use, to greenhouse gas emissions and concentrations, to global mean temperature rise and impacts on the climate system and beyond, and to what we can do about it. Basic introductions to the energy system and key technologies, atmospheric physics and chemistry, and energy policy will be given. Students will work with current cases relevant for energy and climate change mitigation.
The course is obligatory for SMI students doing the Climate and Energy theme, and is an elective for master students in Physics, Chemistry, Science, Biology and Mathematics with an interest in energy and climate change issues. Students from other faculties are welcome but should realize that some quantitative skills are required.
The following elements will be discussed:
• Energy system, sources, uses and drivers;
• Energy-related emissions;
• Working with energy and emissions data;
• Atmospheric basis of climate change and why there is climate change skepticism and delay;
• Climate change mitigation options, incl. renewable energy, energy efficiency and CO2 capture and storage; and
• International and national policy for energy and climate change.
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- Group assignment “Working with emission data” (16.7%)
- Group assignment “Clean energy options” (16.7%)
- Group assignment “Climate mitigation policy” (16.7%)
- Individual exam (50%)
The minimum grade is 5.0.
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