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Climate Variability, Change & Society

Key information

  • Module code:

    5SSG2051

  • Level:

    5

  • Semester:

      Spring

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

This module will explore the physical processes and patterns of natural climate variability and palaeoclimatic change, how anthropogenic influence results in climate change, and how climate impacts upon society. 

Assessment details

Examination (100%)

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the module students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the physical processes underpinning past global climatic variability in the context of how climate change and variability has impacted human societies in the past, and how present climatic variability differs from past signals. This includes knowledge of the role of the carbon cycle, the science of climate change and the basics of climate modelling and climate projections; and a conceptual knowledge the role of climate change in society, including adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Teaching pattern

10 lectures

Module structure

  1. An introduction to climate variability and change
  2. Orbital-scale climate change in the Quaternary
  3. Climate Variability, Humans and Deep time - the Pleistocene
  4. Humans in a warming world - the early Holocene
  5. Pre-industrial climate impacts on societies
  6. The enhanced greenhouse effect
  7. Climate change projections
  8. Mitigating climate change
  9. Vulnerability and impacts of climate change
  10. Climate Change adaptation and Module summary

Subject areas

Department

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.