Climate Change and Natural Hazards (2500237) – Course 2025/26 PDF
Contents
Students will be introduced to the terrestrial climate system, showing the relationships between the ocean, the atmosphere and the continents. A comparison will be made between the physical properties of the sea and the atmosphere. The role of the ocean as a climate regulator and the role of the cryosphere will be shown.
Specific Objectives
Describe the Climate System from an Oceanographic Perspective and the relationship of the Ocean with the Atmosphere and the Continents. The role of the Cryosphere will be discussed.
Dedication
6h Large group + 8h 23m Self StudyThe most relevant aspects of ocean circulation at a global level will be shown To show the general aspects of atmospheric general circulation. Distributions of high and low pressure centers and their relation to terrestrial climate. To define the concept of atmospheric teleconnections and their relation to climate. Emphasis will be made on the ENSO, NAO, MOI indices. There will be a review of the Thermal Balance on Earth and the effect of the atmosphere and greenhouse gases in the configuration of the Earth's climate.
Specific Objectives
Thermohaline Circulation and Wind Drag Show the general aspects of the general atmospheric circulation. Distributions of high and low pressure centers and their relationship with the terrestrial climate. Define the concept of Atmospheric Teleconnections and its relationship with the weather. Fundamentals of Thermal Balance Concept of Greenhouse Effect
Dedication
8h Large group + 11h 12m Self StudyA review of the fossil and geological climate records will be made.
Specific Objectives
The fossil records of the terrestrial climate will be shown. The climatic changes will be shown on a geological scale, the interglacial cycles of the Pleistocene and the climatic oscillations. The role of the industrial revolution in the current and future climate will be shown.
Dedication
4h Large group + 5h 36m Self StudyTwo climatic data analysis techniques will be shown. One based on the time domain (trend analysis) and the other based on the frequency domain (spectral analysis). Two climatic data analysis techniques will be shown. One based on the time domain (trend analysis) and the other based on the frequency domain (spectral analysis).
Specific Objectives
Basic aspects of Trend analysis (linear and flexible) will be shown. Basic aspects of Spectral analysis will be shown. Basic aspects of Trend analysis (linear and flexible) will be shown. Basic aspects of Spectral analysis will be shown.
Dedication
2h Large group + 4h Medium group + 8h 23m Self StudyStudents will be shown which are the main climate models used and climate projections in different scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions The main effects of the different emission scenarios and global warming on the European climate will be shown. Students will be introduced to the concepts of Policies and routes for adaptation to climate change and natural risk management.
Specific Objectives
Show Climate Models and Projections Show the effect of global warming on the European climate Show the concepts of adaptation policies and routes. Show the concept of natural risk management
Dedication
6h Large group + 8h 23m Self StudyRisks of Climatic Origin (Coastal, Meteorological, Continental and Socionatural) Observed and Projected The main coastal and port risks associated with climate change will be shown. Special attention will be paid to the rise in the average sea level, the frequency and intensity of storms and the impact on the coasts and ports. Students will be introduced to the concept of meteorological risk, paying special attention to changes in the frequency and intensity of storms, heat waves and extreme weather events in general. Students will be introduced to the concept of Continental risk, paying special attention to floods, landslides, droughts and forest fires. Students will be introduced to the concept of risk on ecosystems (continental, terrestrial and marine aquatics), emphasizing the concept of tropicalization, invasion of invasive species, introduction of infectious vectors.
Specific Objectives
Introduction to the concept of risk. Description of the different types of Natural and Socionatural Risks Introduction to Coastal Risks Introduction to Port Risks Introduction to Weather Hazards Introduction to Continental Risks. Introduction to the concept of Risk on ecosystems
Dedication
12h Large group + 16h 47m Self StudyThe student will be introduced to the main sectoral impacts derived from climate change Students will be shown the main sectoral impacts derived from climate change, particularly on soils, agri-food systems, energy production and consumption, in industry, tourism, the insurance sector and human health.
Specific Objectives
Introduction of the concept of Seasonal Shift The main effects of climate change on the productive sectors will be shown
Dedication
6h Large group + 8h 23m Self StudyVarious methodologies for assessing the risk associated with climate change will be shown. Special attention will be paid to
Specific Objectives
Different methodologies will be shown for the evaluation of the risk associated with climate change
Dedication
4h Large group + 5h 36m Self StudyAn introduction will be made on different methodologies for the analysis of impacts associated with climate change. An introduction will be made on different methodologies for the analysis of impacts associated with climate change, emphasizing practical examples and Team work.
Specific Objectives
Introduction to impact analysis Introduction to impact analysis
Dedication
2h Large group + 4h Medium group + 8h 23m Self StudyStudents will be introduced to the concepts of adaptation and mitigation of natural risks
Specific Objectives
Introduction to the concepts of adaptation and mitigation to climate change
Dedication
2h Large group + 2h 48m Self Study