Climate change is arguably the greatest existential risk that humanity has ever faced. This course explores the increasing impetus from scientific research and academia, the potential and need for sustainable global development, and why, despite this, international and domestic climate action is often limited. 

An overview is provided of the fundamentals of climate change science, including the astrophysical, atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial processes that drive and amplify natural climatic variability and anthropogenic climate change. 

Current and likely future impacts of global warming on ecosystems and human activities are considered, including biodiversity, human health, regional inequality, and vulnerability. 

We explore communication, denialism, ethics, and the roles of academia and scientific research. This culminates in an in-class discussion of climate change with climate deniers. 

Key principles of International Relations and examples from the realpolitik of international treaties are used to investigate actual and potential societal response strategies. International and Australian climate policies, key actors, and international processes are analysed to assess actual and potential unilateral, private, and collective action. The culmination of the course is a mock treaty negotiation for "The Canberra Agreement" under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 

Contributors to the course include experts from across the ANU and representatives of various government departments, industry, business, and community groups, and research organisations.

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but have separate seminars and are assessed separately.

Please direct all enquiries and correspondence to envs3020-convener@anu.edu.au

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. evaluate and critique current understandings of the science and uncertainties of climate change, as well as the vulnerabilities of and potential impacts on biophysical and social systems;
2. engage effectively with denialism, skepticism, and other forms of disagreement;
3. devise, evaluate, and critique a range of response strategies to climate change, including international and Australian climate policies;
4.  debate and innovate future climate change policy in the context of international climate change negotiations, with application to their professional experience.

Research-Led Teaching

Anthropogenic climate change forced by the enhanced greenhouse effect is viewed by many as the single greatest environmental challenge facing humanity in the 21st century. this course is designed to provide an overview of some of the significant current issues and themes in the area of climate change science, policy, and communications. The course is based on the principles of research-led inquiry-based learning; the topic is fundamentally interdisciplinary and theme-based, and it develops students' understanding of the role of science in explaining aspects of the world and the interactions amongst science, policy, society, and politics. A core of lectures given by experts in aspects of climate change research and policy is integrated with a complementary series of workshops that facilitates exploration of issues raised in lectures, providing opportunities for hands-on experience, discussion, problem-solving, and synthesis of knowledge in a collaborative context.

The principal themes in the course are:

Climate change science – The approach is holistic and integrated, and does not require prior knowledge of climate science.

Climate change impacts, vulnerability, and adaptation – The current and potential impacts and management of climate change-related environmental changes.

Climate change mitigation – Current technological and policy approaches and aspects of the perceived tension and trade-offs between adaptation and mitigation.

Climate change politics, communication, and society – The international and national interactions amongst science, policy, society, and politics.

Workshops develop skills including high-level thinking about complex issues, critical analysis and review, and information synthesis and integration.

Field Trips

n/a

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional costs for this course.

Examination Material or equipment

Information about any examination material or equipment will be available on the course Wattle site.

There is no final examination for the course.

Required Resources

All required readings will be advised and linked on the course Wattle page.

A laptop computer, tablet, or other WiFi-enabled device is required for many of the weekly workshops, with Word, Excel and PowerPoint (or equivalent software) and a web browser such as Firefox, Chrome, Safari or MS Edge. These devices are not provided by the Fenner School of Environment & Society or the ANU.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

This course has been adjusted for remote participation, however students are encouraged to attend on-campus activities if possible. Unless requested not to record by a guest lecturer or due to unforeseen technical difficulties, all lectures are intended to be livestreamed and recorded. Recordings will be made available through the course website. An online workshop will be offered in parallel with an in-person workshop. A supplemental online workshop may be offered at a separate time. PG seminars will be live-streamed and recorded unless requested not to record by a guest lecturer or due to unforeseen technical difficulties.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	This course is delivered through on-campus 'face-to-face' and/or online livestream lectures, seminars, and workshops. The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and workshops on key theoretical and applied aspects, as well as guest presentations and student-led seminars/workshops. There may be unavoidable changes to the lecture, workshop, and seminar schedule, depending on the availability of individual lecturers. You will be advised of any changes as early as possible, in lectures, workshops, or seminars and via the course Wattle site. The course is intended to be delivered in intensive format in even years and in semester-length format in odd years. Important information about the structure of the semester-length version of this course: During weeks 1-11, there will be up to four hours of lectures per week. During weeks 1-11, there will be one three-hour workshop per week. During weeks 1-12, there will be one one-hour seminar per week. You are expected to attend and participate in all workshop sessions for your group (one per week). You are expected to attend and participate in at least 75% of the seminars. The online version of the course may also have a supplemental one-hour workshop each week in weeks 1-12. Important information about the structure of the two-week intensive version of this course: The course will be taught in two five-day sessions. Each day will have up to seven hours of contact time and an optional discussion hour. There will be up to 10 hours of pre-class recorded lectures that provide core foundational climate science and policy material. These lectures will form the core of the material assessed by the quizzes.
2	Week/Day 1 - Theme: Climate science, policy, and societyLocation: On-campus and livestreamPlease refer to the course Wattle site for the full program.
3	Week/Day 2 - Theme: Climate science, policy, and societyLocation: On-campus and livestreamPlease refer to the course Wattle site for the full program.
4	Week/Day 3 - Theme: Climate science, policy, and societyLocation: On-campus and livestreamPlease refer to the course Wattle site for the full program.
5	Week/Day 4 - Theme: Climate science, policy, and societyLocation: On-campus and livestreamPlease refer to the course Wattle site for the full program.
6	Week/Day 5 - Theme: Climate science, policy, and societyLocation: On-campus and livestreamPlease refer to the course Wattle site for the full program.
7	Week/Day 6 - Theme: Climate science, policy, and societyLocation: On-campus and livestreamPlease refer to the course Wattle site for the full program.
8	Week/Day 7 - Theme: Climate science, policy, and societyLocation: On-campus and livestreamPlease refer to the course Wattle site for the full program.
9	Week/Day 8 - Theme: Climate science, policy, and societyLocation: On-campus and livestreamPlease refer to the course Wattle site for the full program.
10	Week/Day 9 - Theme: Climate science, policy, and societyLocation: On-campus and livestreamPlease refer to the course Wattle site for the full program.
11	Week/Day 10 - Theme: Climate science, policy, and societyLocation: On-campus and livestreamPlease refer to the course Wattle site for the full program.
12	Week 11 - Theme: Climate science, policy, and societyLocation: On-campus and livestreamPlease refer to the course Wattle site for the full program.
13	Week 12 - Theme: Climate science, policy, and societyLocation: On-campus and livestreamPlease refer to the course Wattle site for the full program.

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Online climate science and climate politics, policy, communications, and negotiation quizzes	15 %	02/07/2024	04/07/2024	1,2,3
Briefing paper on national circumstances and interests for climate change policy negotiation (country position statement, national circumstances, national interests, initial negotiation text, negotiating strategy, expected impact; involves group work)	20 %	23/06/2024	05/07/2024	1,2,3,4
Reflective Op-Ed on climate change science communication	20 %	08/07/2024	31/08/2024	1,2
PG extended negotiation or policy analysis or literature review with proposal	45 %	22/07/2024	30/09/2024	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation in this course requires as a minimum:

• familiarity with lecture, seminar, workshop, tutorial and any other course materials, including required reading
• completion of both required and additional reading as needed to support learning and complete assessment items
• attendance at and positive contribution to all workshop sessions
• attendance at a minimum of 75% of the postgraduate student seminars
• submission of all assessable work (practical reports and class tests) in appropriate format to comply with ANU and Fenner School requirements regarding referencing, plagiarism and other standards for academic work
• submission of all work, assessable or not, by the prescribed deadlines.

Participation in the preparation for and presentation of the ANU Conference of the Parties (CoP) Canberra Agreement negotiation sessions, including the final plenary negotiation session, is compulsory.

Examination(s)

This course does not include formal examination during the examination period.

Assessment Task 1

Online climate science and climate politics, policy, communications, and negotiation quizzes

Covers designated lectures, workshop materials, and supplemental readings. Short-answer and multiple-choice questions. Completed online through Wattle. Details are provided on the course Wattle site.

Assessment Task 2

Briefing paper on national circumstances and interests for climate change policy negotiation (country position statement, national circumstances, national interests, initial negotiation text, negotiating strategy, expected impact; involves group work)

A report on (a) your group's (country's) statement of its climate interests, (b) national circumstances, focusing on those that are likely to benefit most from action on climate change, those that are at greatest risk due to climate change, and/or those at greatest risk from action on climate change, (c) the most significant national interests of your country (related to or affected by climate change) that your group seeks to maintain or enhance during negotiation of a mock international treaty, (d) your group's (country's) initial negotiation text desired for inclusion in the Canberra Agreement along with justifications relating the chosen negotiation text to your group's (country's) national circumstances and national interests, (e) your group's (country's) negotiating strategy along with justifications relating the chosen strategy to your group's (country's) national interests, and (e) the expected impact of your strategy and negotiation text on your group's (country's) national interests and global climate change action. Part (a) is presented as if it were a plenary statement at a climate treaty negotiation. Parts (b)-(e) are presented as if they were a briefing paper to your national government. Details are provided on the course Wattle site. Partial draft for optional peer feedback due in workshop prior to submission of final version for assessment. 

Assessment Task 3

Reflective Op-Ed on climate change science communication

Discussion on climate change denier/skeptic arguments, polarisation, and/or climate change communication, based on course materials, self-study research, and/or reflection on learning during the Pushing through Polarisation workshop exercise. Presented as if it were an op-ed article for a non-specialist, non-academic audience. Details are provided on the course Wattle site. Draft for optional peer feedback due in workshop prior to submission of final version for assessment.

Assessment Task 4

PG extended negotiation or policy analysis or literature review with proposal

Written individual report on one of (a) an academic analysis of the Canberra Agreement negotiation process and outcomes with comparisons to past climate treaties and a proposal for further policy research based on the final Canberra Agreement that could be completed as a one-semester Masters thesis or one-year Masters dissertation, (b) an academic analysis of a policy related to climate change with a proposal for further research on the policy that could be completed as a one-semester Masters thesis or one-year Masters dissertation, or (c) a written literature review on a topic related to the course with a proposal for further research that could be completed as a one-semester Masters thesis or one-year Masters dissertation. Following submission of the written report, a short viva voce will be held with the student to discuss the student's written submission. Details are provided on the course Wattle site.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension is penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline on Wattle for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Assessment pieces that are over the maximum specified length will be penalised in accordance with the policy detailed on the course Wattle site. Links to these policies and procedures are provided on the course Wattle site.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Student work will be marked electronically and comments provided via Turnitin or Wattle in normal circumstances.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Assignments may not be resubmitted

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students