GCUA 2030 Climate Action Challenge

Description

Students will engage in a case study activity as part of an international and interdisciplinary group, in which they will develop a Nature-based Solution (NbS) for a specific location and socio-ecological system to mitigate climate change and/or the effects of climate change. NbS use the capacity of natural processes and/or ecosystems to take up emitted carbon (e.g., tree planting, wetland restoration) and/or reduce negative impacts of climate change (e.g., flooding, fire).

After developing their specific NbS case, students will then analyze how their NbS may be generalized to other socio-ecological, cultural, and geographic contexts. Students will also analyze synergies and trade-offs of their proposed NbS with other SDGs, beyond SDG 13, using an intercultural and interdisciplinary approach.

Based on the outcome of these analyses, students will re-assess their solution and adjust it to maximize synergies and minimize trade-offs with other SDGs. Each group will present their final solution in a fact sheet and pre-recorded video pitch, highlighting the synergies and trade-offs between their NbS and other SDGs. The outputs will be evaluated by an independent panel of GCUA experts. The GCUA will take steps to publicise and share the winning submission as widely as possible.

Aims and Objectives  

The aim of this case study activity is to equip the students with experience, knowledge and tools that will strengthen their capacity to address the global sustainability challenges from a more holistic perspective by working across disciplines and in an international context. The students will get a better understanding of the different dimensions of sustainability (environmental, social and economic) and the interconnectedness of the SDGs as well as further develop their intercultural competence and interdisciplinary teamwork skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course the PhD student will be able to:

• Design and formulate a Nature-based Solution (NbS) that mitigates climate change as part of a multidisciplinary, international, group.
• Analyse a case study through interdisciplinary and intercultural lenses using a structured analytical approach (i.e., Theory of Change).
• Through inclusive and intercultural ways of working, make appropriate use of the capacities of all group members from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
• Reflect on intersectional dimensions to design a socially inclusive NbS.
• Following the three dimensions of sustainability, critically analyse synergies and trade-offs among SDGs and recognize the interconnectedness of the SDGs.

Entry requirements

The course is freely available to PhD students and postdocs from universities in the Global Challenges University Alliance (GCUA 2030). Ask your focal point for the promotional code.

Teaching format

This is a 100% online course, and will use a Learning Management System (Canvas) and a communication system such as Zoom.

The 6-credit course runs for 8 weeks, so expect a half-time work load (around 20 hours per week). We will meet synchronously one hour per week to equip students with the tools needed to reach the intended learning outcomes. While the climate action challenge is intended to be self-motivated, students will also receive guidance through video lectures, online reading materials, and weekly assignments to guide students toward the final course deliverables.

Groups will be assigned after the first week of the course, and will be designed to maximize intercultural and interdisciplinary diversity. Each group will submit a short work plan describing their group working routines, reflecting on how these routines will facilitate intercultural, inclusive, and interdisciplinary working. 

While designing their NbS, groups will receive feedback on the weekly assignments from the course leader and/or senior mentors, representing different GCUA institutions and disciplines. Feedback sessions will last one hour per week to guide students towards their goal of constructing a Nature-based Solution using a Theory of Change. 

Dates

Course start: March 31, 2025

Course end: May 23, 2025

Course Leader and contact for further information

Sheila Holmes, SLU: sheila.holmes@slu.se

Students from GCUA universities contact for fee waiver code. 

Register here