Title:	Climate change and health: initiating and leading transformational change
Keywords:	Pollution Planetary Health in all policies Ecosystems Climate
Country:	Germany
Institution:	Germany - Center for International Health at the Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität München
Course coordinator:	Dr. Given Moonga
Date start:	2025-03-31
Date end:	2025-04-04
About duration and dates:	1 preparatory week, including pre-reading 1 week online tutored module (2025-03-31 to 2025-04-04) and assignment submission four weeks after the course
Classification:	advanced optional
Mode of delivery:	Distance-based
Course location: Online based course
ECTS credit points:	3 ECTS credits
SIT: Pre-reading: 15 hours Online classes: 45 hours (includes teaching and group work) Post-course assignment: 30 hours Total SIT: 90 hours
Language:	English
Description: At the end of the module, students will be able to: 1. Examine the basic mechanisms of climate change and the key dimensions of planetary health 2. Analyse the observed and projected health impacts of climate change 3. Explain health co-benefits of climate change mitigation measures in other sectors with examples. 4. Construct an argument for the need of transformational change in the context of climate change & health and using critical thinking methods to understand transformational change. 5. Develop a transformation agenda, advocating for the climate change & health agenda through collaborative-evidence based approach
Assessment Procedures: During the online course module, participants will identify and start working on an individually defined case for transformation in relation to climate change & health.” In this context, "transformation" refers to systemic changes that address the root causes of climate and health challenges, aiming to create sustainable and equitable solutions. For example, in Southern Europe, prolonged heatwaves are increasing cases of heat-related illnesses; a transformation agenda could focus on reducing health impacts by promoting green urban spaces, improving public health preparedness, and establishing early-warning systems for vulnerable groups. After the course, participants will turn the collected material into an essay/project of 1500 to 2000 words (1.5 spaced) as discussed between participant and lecturer, in self-study. This can include further elaborating the case and developing possible transformational options for action. The essay will be rated according to the following criteria defined in an assessment grid: 1.Demonstrating appropriate application of learning objectives, 2.Appropriate use of provided and additional literature, 3. Independent and critical thinking (selection of topic, reflection of course content in the development of own idea and line of argumentation) and rationale for a transformational idea with reference to practical implementation. The final grade will also include an introductory presentation on the case developed during the pre-reading week, which will contribute 15% to the overall grade. Workshop participation and engagement in class will account for 15% of the overall grade. (emphasize the learning objectives 1-3 for both) .The grading of the essay (emphasis on the learning objectives 4 and 5) (70% of the overall grade) . Grading is based on the German grading system, ranging from 1 = very good to 4 = sufficient; 5/6 = fail.) A failed presentation can be compensated and will be assessed through in-class participation. A failed essay can be re-submitted on the same topic by incorporating feedback from the course facilitator within 4 weeks. The maximum grade that can be awarded for a re-submitted essay can be the pass mark 4.
Content: The module is multidisciplinary, integrating knowledge, experience, and skills from climate and health stakeholders to offer a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between climate change and human health. It covers the following key areas: 1. Introduction to Climate Science and Climate Change Covers foundational concepts in climate science, including the role of greenhouse gas emissions and their effects on the Earth's climate systems. Students explore how these emissions drive changes in global temperatures, weather patterns, and sea levels. Objectives: To develop an understanding of the primary mechanisms and drivers of climate change, including global warming, extreme weather events, and sea level rise. Example: Students analyse recent case studies, such as heatwaves, to understand the links between carbon emissions and temperature extremes. 2. Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health Introduction to adaptation strategies, early warning systems, heat health action plans, and the role of public health in managing climate risks. Covered during the workshop, this will bring in various stakeholders who will share real-world examples of adaptation measures, showcasing practical approaches that have been successfully implemented in various settings. Direct and indirect impacts of climate change on human health, such as heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and respiratory issues from air pollution. Objectives: To understand effective adaptation measures based on real-world examples, such as community health programs for vulnerable populations. Example: Early warning systems for heatwaves, flood response measures, and community-based health interventions. 3. Climate Change Mitigation & Health Co-Benefits Focuses on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and examines the health co-benefits of these actions, with emphasis on the differences between adaptation and mitigation measures. Objectives: To explain the co-benefits of mitigation strategies in sectors such as energy, transport, and agriculture, highlighting their positive health impacts. Examples: Reduction of air pollution through sustainable mobility and energy systems; examples from institutional, city, country, and global levels. 4. Transformational Change & Health Explores the concept of transformational change, highlighting the need for radical shifts in systems to address climate-related health challenges. Objectives: To understand the need for transformational change and encourage students to construct arguments for transformational change, exploring how different sectors (e.g., health, energy) can be transformed to create a resilient, sustainable future. Examples: Case studies of transformational change in cities and regions, with practical steps for change agents. 5. Co-Creating Change Agents for Climate Action Explores the role of individuals, communities, and key stakeholders, including local governments, NGOs, and health organizations, in driving movements for transformational change within the climate change and health context. Objectives: To understand effective techniques for mobilizing communities, advocating for policy change, and building coalitions with diverse stakeholders to enhance health adaptation efforts. - To enable students to develop personalized transformational change agendas and present actionable steps tailored to their local or institutional contexts.
Methods: The overall module is split in four parts: a) Individual pre-reading over the first week, before the face to face course starts (10% of the overall module) b) an online course with active participation (50% of the overall module) c) individual work on a defined case chosen by the course participant, essay writing and assessment (28% of the overall module) d) Workshops with stakeholders to showcase real-life activities within the climate-health linkage (12%) e) The online course is conveyed with predominantly participatory learning methods, including interactive lectures led by experts in the field, individual and group exercises, peer coaching, peer teaching, role plays, case studies and action learning.
Prerequisites: - Proof of English language fluency: tropEd students from an accredited tropEd home institution who have passed a core course in English will be considered sufficiently fluent in the English language. Also, students who can provide proof of academic education at Bachelor’s level passed in English will be considered sufficiently fluent. Applicants not being able to fulfil either of these criteria will be asked to prove fluency by a TOEFL (iBT score >= 79) or IELTS (score >=6.0). - Participants do not require previous knowledge on climate change and health as basic knowledge will be generated through the pre-reading materials.
Attendance: Max. number of participants: 25 (number of tropEd students not limited within this group size)
Selection: Participants are selected on a first-come, first-served basis
Fees: EURO 200 from High Income Countries and EURO 100 for students from Low and Middle Income Countries.
Scholarships: None
tropEd accreditation: Accreditation in EC Telco, Nov. 2024. This accreditation is valid until Nov. 2029.
Email Address:	msc-ih@lrz.uni-muenchen.de
Date Of Record Creation:	2019-10-22 04:42:38 (W3C-DTF)
Date Of Record Release:	2024-12-05 13:44:44 (W3C-DTF)
Date Record Checked:	2019-10-22 (W3C-DTF)
Date Last Modified:	2024-12-06 10:00:40 (W3C-DTF)