Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

This module introduces the physical science of climate change including its drivers and impacts. Central to this is an understanding of carbon cycling and greenhouse gas fluxes, with a focus on the land system. The expected risks of climate change to natural and managed ecosystems are explored including the key concept of risk related to the level of global warming. Building on these core concepts climate change adaptation and mitigation are investigated at a global and national level with specific focus on agriculture. Finally, practices by which the land system in Ireland can contribute to climate actions are evaluated. Sustainable development topics referenced within the module include: Zero Hunger; Climate Action; and Life on Land.

1. Describe the physical processes which drive climate change including greenhouse gas fluxes and carbon stocks, sinks and sources.  

2. Explain the risk climate change poses to human and natural systems including food security and ecosystem functioning.  

3. Explain the concepts of climate change adaptation and mitigation with reference to the land system at global and national scales.

4. Appraise the options for climate change mitigation and adaptation in Irish land system and specifically for agriculture, soils, land use change and forestry.  

5. Evaluate potential trade-offs between land based climate actions and other objectives such as space for nature and food security.