3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

Using a case study approach, this course explores extreme weather events in the context of a changing climate. Climate change affects temperature and precipitation patterns. These, in turn, influence the intensity and, in some cases, the frequency of extreme environmental events, such as wildfires, hurricanes, heat waves, floods, droughts, and storms. Students will deconstruct the climate-weather connection of extreme weather events and human-driven climate change. Specific events will be analyzed using the disaster cycle (preparation, response, recovery, restoration) and evaluated using a physical, ecological, sociological, and economic lens. By the end of the course, students will be able to assess factors that influence disaster risk and will be able to propose mitigation measures for extreme weather and environmental events associated with climate change.