GSLL 1514 - Challenges and Opportunities of Utilizing Traditional Knowledge in Climate Adaptation

Local communities around the globe are already affected by climate change. People in least-developed and developing countries are among the most vulnerable ones, yet they have the least coping capacity. Climate change impacts are localized and diverse therefore, the response needs to be as diverse and adapted to the local situation.

This class will explore key concepts of resilience, vulnerability, adaptive capacity and social capital in the context of community exposure to climate change. We will engage in critical analysis of tools and methods for building resilience to climate change and will look at several case studies from around the world.

Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Understand the variety of issues and challenges faced by organizations, nations, local and indigenous communities related to climate change
• Understand mitigation and adaptation options in community resilience-building
• Make informed decisions when working with communities to critically assess the impacts of climate change and build a resilience plan