Climate change is already affecting communities throughout Australia, with 2016 and 2020 tied as the hottest years on record at 1.2°C above pre-industrial times. Australia has experienced changes in extreme weather, with more frequent and intense heatwaves, storms, flooding and bushfires. Government departments, private organisations and community groups are planning, developing and implementing strategies to address current and projected changes to our climate.

This Climate Essentials short course has been designed for professionals who want an overview of the latest developments around climate change. It covers both the science of climate change and policy responses across a range of sectors.

Delivered by the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions, this short course brings together leading climate researchers from across the University.

Scope

The course will provide a summary of the latest climate science, followed by an overview of climate change adaptation, climate change impacts on human health, climate and energy economics, effective climate policy solutions, and communicating climate change. The course is tailored to consider the decisions faced by government departments, non-government organisations, and the private sector within an Australian, regional and international climate change context.

Program

• Introduction and welcome
• Understanding climate change and extremes - Professor Mark Howden, ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions. 
• Adaptation to climate change - Dr Jason Alexandra, ANU Institue for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions. 
• Health and climate change - Dr Belle Workman, University of Melbourne, Melbourne Climate Futures.
• Communicating climate change - Dr Bec Colvin, ANU Crawford School of Public Policy.
• Climate policy and economics - Professor David Stern, ANU Crawford School of Public Policy.
• Australia as agenda-setter internationally - Professor Howard Bamsey, ANU School of Regulation and Global Governance. 

DOWNLOAD THE COURSE BROCHURE

An updated version of the program will be made available shortly. Information about course logistics will be provided to registrants 1-2 weeks before the course begins.

Details

• The course is delivered online, in real time. The staggered structure is designed to maximise engagement and is based on current research relating to online course design.
• The course covers six broad topics over three mornings; two sessions per day, each session punctuated by a short break and group discussions.
• Participation will be via the Zoom video conferencing tool, allowing direct interaction and discussion with lecturers and other course participants.
• Course timings 9:30am – 12:45pm each day.

Who should attend?

This course has been designed for professionals who are relatively new to working on climate change and want to gain an overview of the latest climate research, the impacts of climate change, and policy responses in terms of both mitigation and adaptation. It is expected that participants will come from a range of different sectors and that the diverse perspectives of participants will be useful for all attendees given that climate impacts are being felt across our economy and society.

Important information

• Full price - $1495 per person (GST inc.).
• Early bird discounted price - $1350 per person (GST inc.) for registrations until 2 May 2023.
• Group price - $1350 per person (GST inc.) for single bulk bookings of 3 or more participants from the same organisation. Available until 11 May 2023.
• This course will take place subject to demand. Registrants will receive a full refund in the unlikely event that the course is cancelled. Places are limited and registrations are on a 'first come - first served' basis. Registrations close 11 May 2023.