317.864.98
Advanced Topics in Climate Change Policy
Location
Barcelona, Spain
Term
2nd Term
Department
Health Policy and Management
Credit(s)
2
Academic Year
2025 - 2026
Instruction Method
In-person
Start Date
Thursday, November 20, 2025
End Date
Friday, November 21, 2025
Th, F, 8:30am - 6:00pm
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Prerequisite
No prerequisites for this course.
Enrollment Restriction
interdivisional and undergraduate registration is not permitted for this section.
More frequent and severe extreme weather associated with climate change poses major challenges for public health policymakers and practitioners. A growing body of research suggests extreme weather early warning systems are an effective way to prepare and protect at-risk populations. Public health agencies have key roles to play in these systems, from monitoring and surveillance to risk assessment, hazard mapping, communication, and coordination with emergency services. Through collaborative case studies, discussion and practice-based exercises, public health students will gain practical tools for engaging with extreme weather early warning systems.
Focuses on advanced issues at the forefront of climate change and public health policy and practice. Looks in-depth at extreme weather early warning systems -- one of the most important and promising climate adaptation strategies -- and the role of public health in supporting these systems. Covers the United Nations' Early Warnings for All initiative and case-studies of promising practice in multiple countries and cities. Addresses international negotiations at the COP30 meeting in Brazil, which will be underway during the course. Takes a complex-systems view that traverses the boundaries between sectors, spans government levels, and integrates perspectives across public and private actors. Uses case studies, policy analysis readings, and discussions to foster student learning.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Recognize the complex, often compound and cascading nature of extreme weather hazards on populations, based on the latest science
- Identify both traditional and unexpected extreme weather-related risks to population health, with a focus on understanding factors placing some populations at greater risk
- Gain familiarity with the four components of extreme weather early warning systems -- risk knowledge, hazard monitoring, warning communication and preparedness and response -- and the role of public health in designing, targeting and implementing these systems
- Recognize best practice features and population health benefits of well-designed extreme weather early warning systems, through several case studies
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 20% Participation
- 20% Written Assignment(s)
- 60% Final Presentation
The course will be taught on location in Barcelona Spain, requiring students to travel to Spain in order to participate. No online or hybrid option available.