Climate Change and Water in Mountains: A Global Concern

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/climate-changes-mountains-water

Introduction

# Course Review: Climate Change and Water in Mountains: A Global Concern ## Overview The course "Climate Change and Water in Mountains: A Global Concern," available on Coursera, addresses the significant yet often overlooked effects of climate change on mountainous regions and their water resources. With over 100 experts contributing to the curriculum through the European ACQWA project, this course compiles a wealth of knowledge and research that spans from the intricacies of climate systems to practical recommendations for adaptation and governance. Mountains are not just beautiful landscapes; they are critical ecosystems that provide water resources for millions of people. Understanding the dynamics of climate change within these sensitive environments is vital for formulating effective strategies to mitigate risks associated with changing water resources. ## Course Structure and Content ### Unit 0: Welcome Unit The course starts with an engaging introductory video that sets the stage for what participants can expect. You will have the opportunity to connect with fellow learners, creating a community that shares a vested interest in understanding climate change's impacts on mountainous ecosystems. ### Unit 1: Introduction to Climate Change This foundational unit provides insight into the climate system's functioning. You will explore the intricate interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, cryosphere, and biosphere. The course presents essential concepts of anthropogenic climate change and how climate simulation models work. This unit lays the groundwork necessary for understanding more complex impacts discussed later. ### Unit 2: Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources Here, learners delve into the consequences of climate change on glaciers and water resources. Observed trends such as glacier retreat are analyzed, focusing on their implications for runoff patterns and mass balance. This unit incorporates practical measurements and projections about how these changes may affect water resources globally. ### Unit 3: Impacts of Climate Change on Water Uses Unit 3 examines the broader implications of changing water resources in various sectors, including the economy, health, and agriculture. By addressing both negative and potential positive consequences of climate shifts, such as agricultural water scarcity and the benefits for certain crops, this unit provides a balanced perspective for learners. ### Unit 4: Recommendations for Adaptation and Water Governance Strategies In this unit, participants gain insights into social network analysis and adaptive capacity in ecosystems. The focus is on developing effective adaptation strategies through shared knowledge and cooperation among stakeholders. Case studies highlight successful mechanisms for reducing vulnerability to climate change, making this section particularly valuable for those interested in practical applications. ### Unit 5: Risk Management The final unit addresses natural hazards exacerbated by climate change in mountainous regions. Through case studies, participants learn about the frequency and magnitude of hazards like glacier lake outburst floods, and how countries like Switzerland are actively managing risks through integrated strategies. This practical lens allows for a deeper understanding of local and global risk management frameworks. ## Recommendation I highly recommend "Climate Change and Water in Mountains: A Global Concern" for anyone interested in environmental science, climate change, or resource management. The course offers a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, making it suitable for both professionals and students. Here are some compelling reasons to enroll: 1. **Expert-Led Content**: With insights from a vast network of professionals, you're learning from those who are deeply invested in tackling climate issues. 2. **Comprehensive Curriculum**: The course covers the full spectrum of topics related to climate change and water resources, ensuring a well-rounded understanding. 3. **Networking Opportunities**: Engaging with classmates and professionals interested in climate change can provide valuable insights and potential collaboration. 4. **Practical Applications**: The emphasis on real-world case studies and examples makes the course particularly relevant for those in policy-making, environmental management, and related fields. 5. **Flexibility of Online Learning**: As a Coursera course, it allows for self-paced learning, enabling you to fit complex subjects into your schedule. In conclusion, investing your time in this informative course can expand your understanding of one of the most pressing global issues today, while equipping you with the knowledge needed to contribute positively to climate action and water resource management in mountainous regions and beyond.

Syllabus

Unit 0: Welcome Unit

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.