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Mark New

This course explores why climate change adaptation is important globally and in the African context. Africa is considered to be one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. Historically, climate-related hazards such as drought, flooding, pest and disease outbreaks, coastal storms, and heat waves have had devastating impacts on people and the environment in which they live. Often the damage knocks back progress that has been made in social and economic development, slowing down the achievement of development goals. Climate models suggest that many of these climatic hazards will intensify as the global climate warms. Building resilience to climate risks, through adaptation, is critically important for future development in Africa.

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This course explores why climate change adaptation is important globally and in the African context. Africa is considered to be one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. Historically, climate-related hazards such as drought, flooding, pest and disease outbreaks, coastal storms, and heat waves have had devastating impacts on people and the environment in which they live. Often the damage knocks back progress that has been made in social and economic development, slowing down the achievement of development goals. Climate models suggest that many of these climatic hazards will intensify as the global climate warms. Building resilience to climate risks, through adaptation, is critically important for future development in Africa.

The course examines adaptation in theory and in practice, through a focus on four sectors that are critically important for climate resilient development in (1) water security; (2) agriculture and food security; (3) ecosystems and ecosystem services; and (4) resilient cities.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Climate, Vulnerability and Development in Africa
We start by exploring the linkages between social and economic development in Africa and climate change. We look at the anticipated changes in the future climate of the region and how this could impact on the development trajectory. I cover both contemporary climate risks and future climate change and how those interact with development. I also introduce the key concepts around climate adaptation that this course in based on.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on climate change adaptation issues in the African context, catering to learners keen on issues surrounding Africa's socio-economic development
Taught by Mark New, a seasoned expert on climate change adaptation
Suitable for individuals in policy, development and humanitarian sectors, as well as those interested in environmental sustainability
Covers diverse sectors vital for climate resilient development, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in Africa
Introduces tools and strategies for planning and implementing adaptation measures, empowering learners with practical knowledge

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Reviews summary

Practical climate adaptation for africa

According to students, this course offers a highly relevant and comprehensive overview of climate adaptation in the African context. Many appreciate its practical approach, featuring numerous real-world case studies from diverse countries that make complex theories actionable. The syllabus covers crucial sectors like water security, agriculture, ecosystems, and urban environments, providing a holistic understanding. While the course delivers a strong theoretical foundation, some learners might desire deeper dives into specific methodologies or more hands-on application exercises, though its broad scope is a significant strength.
Covers critical sectors for holistic understanding.
"The course offered a comprehensive look at adaptation across water, agriculture, and urban settings."
"Appreciated the breadth, from food security to resilient cities, giving a well-rounded view."
"It was great to see how climate adaptation impacts different vital areas within Africa."
Illustrates theory with diverse African examples.
"The case studies from various African countries helped me understand how adaptation works on the ground."
"I really valued the practical insights provided by the specific examples, making the concepts less abstract."
"Learned so much from the examples in Lesotho, South Africa, and Mauritius; they made the material tangible."
Directly addresses unique climate challenges in Africa.
"The explicit focus on Africa's vulnerability and development goals made this course uniquely valuable."
"Finally, a course that dives deep into climate issues specific to the African continent!"
"As someone working in Africa, this course's contextual relevance was unparalleled."
Learners seek more in-depth exploration of some topics.
"While broad, I sometimes wished for a deeper dive into the specific planning tools mentioned."
"The content was excellent, but I could have used more hands-on exercises for practical application."
"I would appreciate more detailed case studies on certain sectors, even if it meant less breadth."

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 Adaptation in Africa with these activities:
Gather and Review Core Course Materials
Enhance your understanding of foundational principles and concepts by organizing and reviewing key resources.
Browse courses on Climate Change Adaptation
Show steps
  • Collect course syllabus, readings, and lecture notes
  • Organize materials into logical categories
  • Review materials to identify key concepts and themes
Read The Oxford Handbook of Climate Change and Society
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the social science research on climate change. Reading it will help you understand the key concepts and theories in the field, as well as the latest research findings.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and conclusion.
  • Read the chapters that are most relevant to your interests.
  • Take notes on the key points.
  • Discuss the book with your classmates or colleagues.
Engage in Group Discussions on Course Topics
Enhance your comprehension by exchanging ideas and perspectives with peers.
Browse courses on Climate Change Adaptation
Show steps
  • Form or join a study group or discussion forum
  • Prepare for discussions by reviewing materials
  • Actively participate in discussions, asking questions and sharing insights
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Explore Climate Adaptation Tools and Case Studies
Develop a deeper understanding of practical adaptation measures through guided tutorials and real-world examples.
Browse courses on Water Scarcity
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sources for climate adaptation tutorials
  • Follow tutorials to learn about specific adaptation techniques
  • Analyze case studies to observe the implementation of adaptation strategies
Practice Climate Risk Assessment
Strengthen your ability to identify and assess climate risks through repetitive exercises.
Show steps
  • Find online resources or textbooks with practice exercises
  • Complete exercises to apply risk assessment methods
  • Review solutions to reinforce your understanding
Develop an Adaptation Plan for a Local Community
Apply your knowledge to a practical project and contribute to community preparedness.
Browse courses on Community Resilience
Show steps
  • Identify a local community or organization to collaborate with
  • Conduct a vulnerability and risk assessment
  • Develop a tailored adaptation plan with specific actions and timelines
  • Present your plan to the community and seek feedback
  • Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the adaptation plan

Career center

Learners who complete Climate Adaptation in Africa will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Climate Change Adaptation Specialist
A Climate Change Adaptation Specialist develops and implements strategies for adapting to the impacts of climate change. This course can provide foundational knowledge and strategies that would be valuable in this role.
Climate Change Educator
A Climate Change Educator develops and delivers educational programs on climate change. The course provides a comprehensive overview of climate change impacts and adaptation in Africa, which can be valuable for developing educational materials and programs.
Climate Change Researcher
A Climate Change Researcher studies the causes, effects, and potential solutions to climate change. The course will be helpful in building a strong foundation in climate change research, including adaptation strategies, particularly in the African context.
Conservation Scientist
A Conservation Scientist researches ways to protect and sustain natural resources. Projects and research are commonly conducted for preservation, conservation, and awareness of climate and ecological systems. The course will help build a foundation for scientific research as well as an understanding of some of the climate risks that natural resources face and the strategies to help prevent or reduce those risks.
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner devises plans and programs for the development of urban areas, including land use, transportation, and infrastructure. The course can provide knowledge of the impacts of climate change on urban environments, as well as adaptation strategies to consider for developing resilient and sustainable cities.
Water Resources Manager
A Water Resources Manager plans, develops, and manages water resources, including water supply, water quality, and flood control. The course can provide knowledge about climate change impacts on water security and adaptation strategies in the water sector.
Ecosystem Restoration Specialist
An Ecosystem Restoration Specialist plans and implements projects to restore damaged or degraded ecosystems. The course can provide understanding of climate change impacts on ecosystems and adaptation strategies to support restoration efforts.
Agriculture and Food Security Specialist
An Agriculture and Food Security Specialist develops and implements programs to improve food security and agricultural productivity. The course topics include agriculture and food security in the context of climate change and adaptation, providing valuable knowledge for this role.
Disaster Risk Manager
A Disaster Risk Manager develops and implements strategies for reducing the risks and impacts of disasters. The course can provide an understanding of climate change risks and adaptation strategies to inform disaster risk management efforts.
Climate Policy Analyst
A Climate Policy Analyst researches, analyzes, and develops climate change policies. The course covers key concepts around climate adaptation, including vulnerability, development, and adaptation strategies, which could be valuable for this role.
Environmental Economist
An Environmental Economist analyzes the economic impacts of environmental policies and regulations. The course can provide an understanding of climate change impacts on different sectors and the economic implications of adaptation strategies.
Environmental Consultant
An Environmental Consultant analyzes the environmental impact of a project or activity, then makes recommendations on how to mitigate negative impacts and protect the environment. The course can provide foundational knowledge for understanding climate change and strategies for adaptation for work in this field.
Sustainability Manager
A Sustainability Manager develops and implements strategies for an organization to reduce its environmental impact and become more sustainable. This course may be helpful in understanding climate change impacts and adaptation strategies as they relate to business and industry.
Soil Scientist
A Soil Scientist studies the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. The course may be helpful in understanding the impacts of climate change on soil health and the adaptation strategies in agriculture.
Geographer
A Geographer studies the physical and human geography of the Earth. The course may be useful in understanding the geographical distribution of climate change impacts and the adaptation strategies in different regions.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Climate Adaptation in Africa.
Provides a comprehensive guidebook for the implementation of climate change adaptation in Africa and can be used as a basis for assessing climate change adaptation gaps.
Provides a comparative analysis of climate change adaptation in different African countries.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the economic costs and benefits of climate change adaptation in Africa.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the impacts of climate change on water security in Africa.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on climate change adaptation in Africa.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research and best practices in climate change adaptation, with contributions from leading experts in the field.
Presents case studies and lessons learned from successful climate change adaptation initiatives in African cities.

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