Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Complexity of climate change mitigation

Climate change and development both involve many complex problems. Each are 'wicked' problems, meaning they defy easy solutions. Tackling both development and climate change together is a 'super-wicked' problem. But we must start by taking a first step to responding to this 'super-wicked' problem. To do this we’ll share our experiments drawing particularly on the MAPS community, which includes Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and South Africa.

Mandating and co-production of knowledge

Our approach to mitigation and development is essentially a process that spurs change within a system. The premise is that change happens through co-production of knowledge, which in turn encourages action by actors in a system. We ask the questions: what is the best way to start such an intervention? What could the intervention look like? What are the options for the process design? This week we review the role a Scenario Building Team has to play in supporting knowledge generation.

Mitigation action research and modelling

Knowledge generated through research can effect change. We describe the models and tools that are available to support the generation of this knowledge. Apart from knowledge related to greenhouse gas mitigation and the costs thereof, we are interested in the positive and negative developmental impacts of moving to a low carbon economy. Emissions and costs are relatively easy to quantify but developmental impacts are less easily quantified. This week, we explore how this challenge can be addressed.

Minding the mitigation gap

What happens when your best efforts are not good enough? We will look at the ‘gaps’ between where we would like to be and where we are.The direction emission trends are headed is a function of everything put into the model (such as population, growth and GDP, and technology). Yet what is required by science is driven by considerations such as how we need to reduce emissions to keep temperature rises below two degrees. This week, in exploring some of the potential reasons for this gap we consider technical reasons and other pushbacks, like vested-interests, political or inherent human behaviour.

Responding to mitigation challenges

There are limitations within our existing toolsets and ways of thinking how we might address the mitigation gap. We need to look more closely at the interface of economic and development pathways and to question the way in which climate change mitigation professionals are approaching this huge and complex climate and development problem. Responses to these challenges include linking of economic and mitigation model to better understand the interconnectedness of mitigation policies and economic development, and involves out-of-the-box thinking when imagining climate and development solutions of the future. This week we hope to inspire innovations and responses to challenges in the climate mitigation and development community.

Bridges to domestic and international policy

This is the final module and it tells the story of how we have moved to the end of the scenario building process, and what the impacts of this approach are. This week we speak of two bridges: the bridge between knowledge and domestic policy, and domestic policy and international contributions.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills for mitigating greenhouse gasses and their impacts while spurring economic growth

Focuses on sustainable development in Latin America

Designed for learners with some awareness of development work and climate change

Taught by Harald Winkler, who is recognized for their work in climate change mitigation and development

Employs a unique and experimental approach to teaching

Uses robust quantitative and qualitative research methods

Reviews summary

Maps methodology for climate change mitigation

Learners say this course offers engaging assignments, including peer-graded discussions. It uses the MAPS methodology to break down the difficult problem of climate change mitigation into smaller, more manageable pieces. The course emphasizes the importance of knowledge as a key driver for change and highlights equity in decision-making. Students particularly appreciate the practical experiences and case studies shared by experts in the field.

The course is well-organized and structured, with clear and informative modules.

"All of the modules are well organized and linked with real-life examples."

"This course discusses how the MAPS teams went about engaging stakeholders and reaching agreement about emissions scenarios and climate change actions."

Assignments, including peer-graded discussions, are found to be engaging and informative.

"The assignments are very interesting and helped to learned about activities or initiatives that were taking place in other developing or developed countries regarding the climate change and development or mitigation."

"I learned how models can be so helpful in getting info for future by using the past years data."

Equity is highlighted as an important consideration when making choices about climate change mitigation.

"Most important, I think, is the focus on how knowledge is the key for change and that equity is as important as science at the moment of making choices."

Practical experiences and case studies shared by experts are highly valued by students.

"You not only learn from theory but also from the practical experiences of real national projects carried out by the proposed MAPS methodology."

"The combination of practical examples of MAPS in developing countries and theories is made this course very interesting and comprehensive."

Knowledge is emphasized as the key for change and for making informed decisions.

"Most important, I think, is the focus on how knowledge is the key for change and that equity is as important as science at the moment of making choices."

"this course really gives you a good understanding and a complete approach to these important treats of our time: climate change and development."

MAPS is a highly effective methodology for addressing climate change mitigation.

"The Course enjoys high level of credibility as it blends the theoretical concepts with practical use, in a seamless and effective manner."

"One gets then distilled wisdom from the actors in the MAPS program, which is highly valuable and insightful."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries with these activities:

Climate Change Policy Analysis Tutorial

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Equip yourself with tools and methodologies for analyzing climate change policies through this guided tutorial.

Browse courses on Climate Policy

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Follow a comprehensive tutorial on climate change policy analysis.
Apply the concepts and techniques learned in the tutorial to a real-world case study.

Development Goals in a Climate-Changing World Workshop

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Immerse yourself in practical applications of development goals amidst the complexities of climate change.

Browse courses on Sustainable Development

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Attend and actively participate in a workshop focused on development goals in a climate-changing world.
Collaborate with other participants to address the challenges of achieving development goals in the face of climate change.

Join a peer study group to discuss course concepts and assignments

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Joining a peer study group will help you learn from and collaborate with other students in the course.

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Find a peer study group to join.
Attend peer study group meetings regularly.
Participate in discussions and share your insights.
Help other students with their learning.

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Carbon Footprint Calculator Practice

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Simulate efforts toward mitigation and development with this carbon footprint calculator practice activity.

Browse courses on Carbon Accounting

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Fill in all the required fields in the practice carbon footprint calculator.
Interpret the results of the calculation.

Practice scenario modeling using energy modeling tools

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Practice scenario modeling using energy modeling tools will help you gain proficiency and confidence in using these tools.

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Identify an energy modeling tool that you want to practice using.
Find a dataset that you can use to practice with.
Build a scenario model using the tool and dataset.
Run the model and analyze the results.
Iterate on the model to improve its accuracy and performance.

Develop a climate mitigation strategy for a specific country

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Developing a climate mitigation strategy for a specific country will help you apply the concepts you learn in the course to a real-world problem.

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Choose a country to focus on.
Research the country's current climate mitigation policies and goals.
Identify opportunities for further climate mitigation.
Develop a strategy to implement these opportunities.
Write a report outlining your strategy.

Career center

Learners who complete Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Climate Change and Development Analyst

Climate Change and Development Analysts advise organizations on the development and implementation of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. They evaluate the effectiveness of these measures on economic growth, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability. The Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries course provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with climate change mitigation in developing countries. By gaining insights into the co-production of knowledge, scenario building, and policy making, learners can develop the skills necessary to effectively analyze and address climate change issues in these contexts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change and Development Analyst

Environmental Economist

Environmental Economists analyze the economic implications of environmental issues, such as climate change and pollution. They develop and evaluate policies to mitigate environmental damage and promote sustainable development. The Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries course provides a strong foundation in the economic aspects of climate change mitigation. Learners gain an understanding of the costs and benefits of different mitigation strategies, as well as the role of economic incentives in promoting sustainable development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Economist

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies to inform decision-making. They provide advice to policymakers on the potential impact of different policy options and recommend changes to improve outcomes. The Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries course provides Policy Analysts with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with climate change mitigation in developing countries. By gaining insights into the co-production of knowledge, scenario building, and policy making, learners can develop the skills necessary to effectively analyze and address climate change issues in these contexts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability strategies for organizations. They identify and assess environmental, social, and economic risks and opportunities, and work to reduce the organization's impact on the environment and promote social responsibility. The Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries course provides Sustainability Managers with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with climate change mitigation in developing countries. By gaining insights into the co-production of knowledge, scenario building, and policy making, learners can develop the skills necessary to effectively analyze and address climate change issues in these contexts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Climate Scientist

Climate Scientists study the Earth's climate system and its interactions with human activities. They collect and analyze data to understand the causes and effects of climate change and develop models to predict future climate scenarios. The Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries course may be useful for Climate Scientists who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and political challenges associated with climate change mitigation in developing countries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Scientist

Energy Analyst

Energy Analysts research and analyze energy markets and trends. They develop and evaluate energy policies and strategies to ensure the efficient and sustainable production, distribution, and use of energy resources. The Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries course provides Energy Analysts with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with climate change mitigation in developing countries. By gaining insights into the co-production of knowledge, scenario building, and policy making, learners can develop the skills necessary to effectively analyze and address climate change issues in these contexts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Analyst

Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide advice and support to organizations on environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, and waste management. They develop and implement environmental management systems, conduct environmental audits, and provide training on environmental regulations. The Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries course may be useful for Environmental Consultants who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and political challenges associated with climate change mitigation in developing countries.

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Renewable Energy Project Developer

Renewable Energy Project Developers identify, develop, and manage renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms. They work with landowners, investors, and government agencies to secure financing and permits, and oversee the construction and operation of the project. The Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries course may be useful for Renewable Energy Project Developers who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and political challenges associated with climate change mitigation in developing countries.

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Development Economist

Development Economists analyze the economic factors that contribute to poverty and inequality in developing countries. They design and evaluate policies and programs to promote economic growth and improve living standards. The Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries course may be useful for Development Economists who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and political challenges associated with climate change mitigation in developing countries.

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Climate Change Adaptation Specialist

Climate Change Adaptation Specialists develop and implement strategies to help communities and ecosystems adapt to the impacts of climate change. They assess climate risks, identify vulnerabilities, and develop and implement adaptation measures. The Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries course may be useful for Climate Change Adaptation Specialists who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and political challenges associated with climate change mitigation in developing countries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Adaptation Specialist

Disaster Risk Management Specialist

Disaster Risk Management Specialists develop and implement strategies to reduce the risk of disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. They assess disaster risks, identify vulnerabilities, and develop and implement risk reduction measures. The Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries course may be useful for Disaster Risk Management Specialists who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and political challenges associated with climate change mitigation in developing countries.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners design and implement plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. They work with communities, governments, and businesses to create sustainable and livable cities. The Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries course may be useful for Urban Planners who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and political challenges associated with climate change mitigation in developing countries.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as air and water pollution, and waste management. They work with industries, governments, and non-profit organizations to develop and implement environmental regulations and policies. The Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries course may be useful for Environmental Engineers who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and political challenges associated with climate change mitigation in developing countries.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. They inform the public about important issues and hold those in power accountable. The Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries course may be useful for Journalists who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and political challenges associated with climate change mitigation in developing countries.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with social and economic problems, such as poverty, homelessness, and mental illness. They provide counseling, support, and resources to help people improve their lives. The Climate Change Mitigation in Developing Countries course may be useful for Social Workers who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and political challenges associated with climate change mitigation in developing countries.

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