Climate Analytics

This course examines the scientific and practical challenges of utilizing climate data for decision-making, as well as the professional ethics associated with providing climate services. Through lectures, videos, guest speakers, and technical assignments this course explores how both historical data and climate change scenarios can be used for both climate change mitigation and adaptation. Usability of weather and climate data is an essential ingredient for developing effective responses. From a general discussion on the value of weather and climate information, the course explores how both historical climate data is an essential ingredient for developing effective responses. From a general discussion on the value of weather and climate information, the course explores how both historical climate data and climate change scenarios can be used to assess climate risk in a variety of sectors, including range of decision support tools. This will include such areas as: community planning (e.g. vulnerability mapping and resilience assessments); engineering (e.g. climate design criteria for infrastructure); emergency response planning (e.g. hazard and risk management); business (carbon accounting and climate proofing) and human health (e.g. development of robust heart-hearth alert systems). In addition, this course covers the theory and application of climate indicators for ongoing assessment and monitoring of adaptation actions. Students must have access to spreadsheet software for assignments. *eligible for MES.