Climate, Communities, and Decision-Making

(VIRTUAL) October - December 2021

Instructor: Sophia Rhee, The Advanced Consortium on Cooperation, Conflict, and Complexity, The Earth Institute

Fall 2021 Pre-College Program Info Session - Climate, Communities, and Decision-Making

Description: The challenges we face under a changing climate are more than ad hoc risks we face seasonally. Higher temperatures and rising seas are complex hazards that are putting new pressures on our infrastructure and exacerbating inequalities between those with the means to cope with climate change and those who do not.

With rapid advances in the availability of and access to climate research and data, there are increasing opportunities about how we could, and should, translate climate change science into decision-making and planning processes at the community level. Whether climate risk is felt through the impacts of rapid disasters, or longer-term weather changes, there is a need to ensure this information is helping to make more robust decisions for people to cope, adapt, and thrive.
 

Learning Objectives/Themes:

  • Distinguish, analyze, and interpret different types of climate research and data used by policymakers to build foundational climate literacy
  • Understand the main debates in climate adaptation and climate risk, as well as what climate change means for different communities
  • Better understand decision-making models and processes that are currently in place to respond to the impacts of climate change
  • Engage in real-world learning and discussions through climate change adaptation case studies
  • Build a final project that highlights a climate adaptation challenge in their community and recommends implementable strategies using scientific, social, and policy perspectives

Who is the workshop for: This workshop is specifically designed to introduce high school learners to the cascading impacts of climate change hazards, current adaptation strategies, and the social vulnerabilities to be mindful of as decisions are made to deal with a warming planet. The workshop will feature guest speakers across the humanitarian, scientific, policy, and entrepreneurial sectors to understand how different stakeholders use climate data to inform decision-making and planning. Learners will strengthen their understanding of the science behind climate hazards through case studies. They will see first-hand how decisions, resilience planning, and risk reduction efforts are being implemented in communities around the world. Lastly, they will also have an opportunity to explore and learn about a climatic risk facing their community, which will allow them to gain the critical skills needed to take action and advocate for robust climate adaptation.

Learning Modalities: This workshop will be offered in a virtual format via Zoom. It will feature a mixture of lecture, discussion, and audio/visual materials. Guest speakers will share their practical knowledge and experience as well.

Please note that all workshops are taught in English. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

Schedule: (VIRTUAL) October - December 2021, Saturdays, 10am - 12pm unless otherwise indicated.

  1. Session 1: Saturday, October 23
  2. Session 2: Saturday, October 30
  3. Session 3: Saturday, November 6
  4. Session 4: Saturday, November 13
  5. Session 5: Saturday, November 20 
  6. Session 6: Saturday, December 4 
  7. Session 7: Saturday, December 11 (*10:00am – 1:00pm ET)