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Climate Change and Water in Mountains: A Global Concern
  • Level Professional
  • Duration 18 hours
  • Course by University of Geneva
  • Offered by

About

What is climate change ? How are mountain regions affected by the evolution of water resources and their uses ? What kind of risks need to be considered ? Mountains are recognized as particularly sensitive physical environments where intense and rapid changes have in the past, and may increasingly in the future, place pressure on their resource base. In this context, a team of roughly 100 experts worked from 2008 to 2013 for the European ACQWA project (www.acqwa.ch) which was coordinated by the University of Geneva. The primary objectives of the project were to assess the impacts of a changing climate on the quantity and quality of water originating in mountain regions, particularly where snow- and ice melt represent a large, sometimes the largest, streamflow component. A further objective of the project was to determine the potential disruptions to water-dependent economic activities related to the climate impacts on hydrological systems, and to propose a portfolio of possible adaptation strategies. This particular MOOC is inspired by the ACQWA Project and offers a better understanding of climate change, its impacts on the quality and quantity of water in mountain regions and the risks related to changing water resources. From an interdisciplinary perspective, the participation of twenty-five instructors from five different countries (Switzerland, England, South Korea, India and Nepal) and fourteen institutions (UNIGE, RTS, UNIFR, UZH, ETHZ, Meteodat GmbH, WGMS, Imperial College London, Agroscope, République et Canton de Genève, Yonsei University, IHCAP, ICIMOD, SDC, FOEN) highlights the diversity of both theoretical and practical viewpoints related to these issues. By the end of this course, you will be able : - to define the general concept of climate change in mountain regions - to understand the concepts associated with climate change such as adaptation and water governance strategies - to consider the impacts of climate change on water resources in mountain regions - to identify the impacts of climate change on hydropower, agriculture, aquatic ecosystems and health - to enumerate risks that can occur in mountain areas and lead to disruptions in water availability and use. Your acquired knowledge will be evaluated through multiple-choice quizzes at the end of each unit of the course. This MOOC on “Climate Change and Water in Mountain Regions : A Global Concern” was initiated and financed by the University of Geneva, through its Institute for Environmental Sciences. We look forward to you joining us !

Modules

Lesson 1

    • 1 Videos
    • 6 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • Meet and Greet

1 Videos

  • Introduction to ACQWA Project - Alpine water: the glass half empty? - futuris, euronews.

6 Readings

  • Key reference 1 to ACQWA Project
  • Key reference 2 to ACQWA Project
  • General Course Description
  • Syllabus
  • Detailed structure of the course
  • Glossary

Introduction

    • 1 Readings
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1 Readings

  • 1.0: Introduction to Unit 1

Climate System

    • 6 Videos
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • What is the most significant thing that you have learned about climate system ?

6 Videos

  • 1.1: Climate System I - A question of energy balance (Prof. M. Beniston - UNIGE)
  • 1.2: Climate System II - Atmospheric circulations (Prof. M. Beniston - UNIGE)
  • 1.3: Climate System III - Influence of snow and ice on the climate system (Prof. M. Beniston – UNIGE)
  • 1.4: Climate System IV - The role of the oceans (Prof. M. Beniston – UNIGE)
  • 1.5: Climate System V - Importance of the water cycle in the evolution of the climate system (Prof. M. Beniston – UNIGE)
  • 1.6: Climate System VI - The role of clouds (Prof. M. Beniston – UNIGE)

Causes of Climate Changes

    • 5 Videos
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5 Videos

  • 1.7 : Causes of Climate Change I - Natural factors : volcanos (Prof. M. Beniston – UNIGE)
  • 1.8: Causes of Climate Change II - Case of El-Niño Southern Oscillation as natural forcing factor (Prof. M. Beniston – UNIGE)
  • 1.9: Causes of Climate Change III - Human forcing factors on the climate system (Prof. M. Beniston – UNIGE)
  • 1.10: Causes of Climate Change IV – Explanatory factors for increases of carbon in the planetary system (Prof. M. Beniston – UNIGE)
  • 1.11: Causes of Climate Change V : The link between atmospheric gases and climate (Prof. M. Beniston – UNIGE)

Past, Present and Future Climates

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • 1.12: Past, Present and Future Climates I – 20th-century observed change (Prof. M. Beniston – UNIGE)
  • 1.13: Past, Present and Future Climates II – 21st-century climate futures (Prof. M. Beniston – UNIGE)
  • 1.14: Past, Present and Future Climates III – Extreme climate events (Prof. M. Beniston – UNIGE)
  • 1.15: Forecast in Switzerland in 50 years – In summer (Mr. P. Jeanneret – RTS)

Conclusion

    • 1 Readings
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1 Readings

  • Conclusion to Unit 1

Rated Evaluation

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Take the quiz of Unit 1 !

Introduction

    • 1 Readings
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1 Readings

  • 2.0: Introduction to Unit 2

Impacts of Climate Change on the Water Cycle

    • 5 Videos
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • And you, what do you think about impacts of climate change on the water cycle ?

5 Videos

  • 2.1: Impacts of Climate Change on the Water Cycle I – Glaciers and the Hydrological Regime (Dr M. Huss – UNIFR / ETHZ)
  • 2.2: Impacts of Climate Change on the Water Cycle II – Monitoring the Impact of Climate Change on Glaciers (Dr M. Huss – UNIFR / ETHZ)
  • 2.3: Impacts of Climate Change on the Water Cycle III – Modelling Runoff Changes from Glaciers (Dr M. Huss – UNIFR / ETHZ)
  • 2.4: Impacts of Climate Change on the Water Cycle IV – Contribution of Glaciers to Runoff at the Continental to Global Scale (Dr M. Huss – UNIFR / ETHZ)
  • 2.5: Impacts of Climate Change on the Water Cycle V – Managing Mountain Water Resources during Glacier Retreat (Dr M. Huss – UNIFR / ETHZ)

Impacts of Climate Change on Snow Cover

    • 5 Videos
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • What are the more important issues for you in terms of impacts of climate change on snow cover ?

5 Videos

  • 2.6: Impacts of Climate Change on Snow Cover I (Dr M.Rohrer – Meteodat GmbH / UNIGE)
  • 2.7: Impacts of Climate Change on Snow Cover II – Link between Snow Cover and Climate (Dr M. Rohrer – Meteodat GmbH / UNIGE)
  • 2.8: Impacts of Climate Change on Snow Cover III – Consequences of Snow Cover in many Regions of the World (Dr M. Rohrer – Meteodat GmbH / UNIGE)
  • 2.9: Impacts of Climate Change on Snow Cover IV – Consequences of Climate Change for Glaciers and Snowmelt (Dr M. Rohrer – Meteodat GmbH / UNIGE)
  • 2.10: Impacts of Climate Change on Snow Cover V – Degree Day Factor for Snow- and Ice Melt not constant in the future (Dr M. Rohrer – Meteodat GmbH / UNIGE)

Impacts of Climate Change on Glacier Retreat

    • 6 Videos
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6 Videos

  • 2.11: Impacts of Climate Change on Glacier Retreat I – Response Time of Glaciers to a Changing Climate – The example of Mont-Miné and Ferpècle Glaciers, Switzerland (Dr M. Perroud – UNIGE)
  • 2.12: Impacts of Climate Change on Glacier Retreat II – World Glacier Monitoring Service – Achievements and Future Challenges (Dr M. Zemp – UZH/WGMS)
  • 2.13: Impacts of Climate Change on Mechanics and Stability of Glaciers I – Mechanics of Glacier Flow (Prof. M. Funk – ETHZ)
  • 2.14: Impacts of Climate Change on Mechanics and Stability of Glaciers II –Glaciers and Water (Prof. M. Funk – ETHZ)
  • 2.15: Impacts of Climate Change on Mechanics and Stability of Glaciers III – Glacier instabilities (Prof. M. Funk – ETHZ)
  • 2.16: Impacts of Climate Change on Mechanics and Stability of Glaciers IV – Iceberg Calving (frontal ablation) (Prof. M. Funk – ETHZ)

Conclusion

    • 1 Readings
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1 Readings

  • Conclusion of Unit 2

Rated evaluation

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Take the quiz of Unit 2 !

Introduction

    • 1 Readings
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1 Readings

  • 3.0: Introduction to Unit 3

Impacts of Climate Change on Hydropower

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Practice Quiz on the Impacts of Climate Change in Hydropower

4 Videos

  • 3.1: Impacts of Climate Change on Hydropower I - A short introduction to Hydropower (Dr F. Romerio – UNIGE)
  • 3.2: Impacts of Climate Change on Hydropower II - Hydropower: Policy and market challenges (Dr F. Romerio – UNIGE)
  • 3.3: Impacts of Climate Change on Hydropower III - The natural sciences perspective (Dr L. Gaudard – UNIGE / Imperial College London)
  • 3.4: Impacts of Climate Change on Hydropower IV - The economic perspective (Dr L. Gaudard – UNIGE / Imperial College London)

Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Practice Quiz on the Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture

4 Videos

  • 3.5: Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture I - Water use in crop production : Demand and productivity (Dr P.-L. Calanca – Agroscope)
  • 3.6: Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture II - Water use in crop production : Facing Climate Change (Dr P.-L. Calanca – Agroscope)
  • 3.7: Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture III - Problem of water distribution and intensity on crops (Dr D. Fleury – Canton of Geneva)
  • 3.8: Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture IV - Link between warming climate and pesticides use (Dr D. Fleury – Canton of Geneva)

Impacts of Climate Change on Aquatic Ecosystems

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • 3.9: Impacts of Climate Change on Aquatic Ecosystems I - A field introduction (Dr E. Castella – UNIGE)
  • 3.10: Impacts of Climate Change on Aquatic Ecosystems II - The physical drivers on biodiversity (Dr E. Castella – UNIGE)
  • 3.11: Impacts of Climate Change on Aquatic Ecosystems III - The seasonal dimension (Dr E. Castella – UNIGE)
  • 3.12: Impacts of Climate Change on Aquatic Ecosystems IV - Anticipating changes (Dr E. Castella – UNIGE)

Impacts of Climate Change on Health

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Practice Quiz on the Impacts of Climate Change on Health

4 Videos

  • 3.13: Impacts of Climate Change on Health I - Introduction to Vector-Borne Diseases (Prof. A. Flahault - UNIGE)
  • 3.14: Impacts of Climate Change on Health II - Introduction to diarrhea and influenza (Prof. A. Flahault - UNIGE)
  • 3.15: Impacts of Climate Change on Health III - Climate change and its impacts on health (Prof. A. Flahault - UNIGE)
  • 3.16: Impacts of Climate Change on Health IV - What is good for health is good for the climate (Prof. A. Flahault - UNIGE)

Conclusion

    • 1 Readings
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1 Readings

  • Conclusion of Unit 3

Rated Evaluation

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Take the quiz of Unit 3!

Introduction

    • 1 Readings
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1 Readings

  • 4.0: Introduction to Unit 4

Water Governance and Challenges

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Practice Quiz on Water Governance and Challenges

2 Videos

  • 4.1: Water Governance and Challenges I. Water governance, a conceptual framing (Prof. C. Bréthaut – UNIGE)
  • 4.2: Water Governance and Challenges II. Water management in alpine tourism resorts: The case of Crans-Montana, in Switzerland (Prof. C. Bréthaut – UNIGE)

Adaptive Capacity

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Practice Quiz on Adaptive Capacity

4 Videos

  • 4.3: Adaptive Capacity I. Defining adaptive capacity (Prof. J. Balsiger – UNIGE)
  • 4.4: Adaptive Capacity II. Analyzing adaptive capacity through social networks (Prof. J. Balsiger – UNIGE)
  • 4.5: Adaptive Capacity III. Illustrating adaptive capacity (Prof. J. Balsiger – UNIGE)
  • 4.6: Adaptive Capacity IV. Adaptive capacity and sustainable development (Prof. J. Balsiger – UNIGE)

The Role of Ecosystems as Adaptation Response

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Practice Quiz on the Role of Ecosystems as Adaptation Response

2 Videos

  • 4.7: The Role of Ecosystems as Adaptation Response I. Theoretical framework (Dr P. Peduzzi – UNIGE / UNEP)
  • 4.8: The Role of Ecosystems as Adaptation Response II. Examples (Dr P. Peduzzi – UNIGE / UNEP)

Examples of Adaptation Responses and Water Governance in Asia

    • 1 Videos
    • 4 Readings
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1 Videos

  • 4.9: Examples of Adaptation Responses and Water Governance in Asia I - The evaluation of climate change vulnerability with multi-criteria decision making (Prof. Y. Kim - Yonsei University)

4 Readings

  • 4.10: Examples of Adaptation Responses and Water Governance in Asia II - Mountain and Lowland Linkages : A Climate Change Perspective in the Himalayas (IHCAP / SDC)
  • 4.11 : Examples of Adaptation Responses and Water Governance in Asia III - Assessing Climate Vulnerability and Risk in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHCAP / SDC)
  • 4.12: Examples of Adaptation Responses and Water Governance in Asia IV- Ecosystem-Based Adaptation : An Integrated Response to Climate Change in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHCAP / SDC)
  • 4.13 : Examples of Adaptation Responses and Water Governance in Asia V - Flood Risk and Early Warning Systems (IHCAP / SDC)

Global Management of Climate Change and ICIMOD’s Perspective

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • 4.14: Global Management of Climate Change and ICIMOD’s Perspective I. Adaptation strategies (Dr D. Molden – ICIMOD)
  • 4.15: Global Management of Climate Change and ICIMOD’s Perspective II. Water Governance for Adaptation (Dr D. Molden – ICIMOD)
  • 4.16: Global Management of Climate Change and ICIMOD’s Perspective III. Changing Climate and its Impacts on Cryosphere and Water Resources of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (Dr A.-B. Shrestha - ICIMOD)
  • 4.17: Global Management of Climate Change and ICIMOD’s Perspective IV. Changing Climate and Water Resources Management at Basin and Local Levels (Dr A.-B. Shrestha - ICIMOD)

Conclusion

    • 1 Readings
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1 Readings

  • Conclusion of Unit 4

Rated Evaluation

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Take the Quiz of Unit 4!

Introduction

    • 1 Readings
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1 Readings

  • 5.0: Introduction to Unit 5

Impacts of Climate Change on Glacial Hazards

    • 2 Videos
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2 Videos

  • 5.1: Impacts of Climate Change on Glacial Hazards I. Changes in glaciers, lakes and GLOFs (Glacier-Lake Outburst Floods) (Dr C. Huggel – UZH)
  • 5.2: Impacts of Climate Change on Glacial Hazards II. GLOF assessment, modeling and management (Dr C. Huggel - UZH)

Impacts of Climate Change on Rockfalls and Debris Flows

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • What are the main risks emerging from mass movements in your country?

4 Videos

  • 5.3: Impacts of Climate Change on Rockfalls and Debris Flows I. Process Evolution in Mountains (Prof. M. Stoffel – UNIGE)
  • 5.4: Impacts of Climate Change on Rockfalls and Debris Flows II. How to assess changes in activity? (Prof. M. Stoffel – UNIGE)
  • 5.5: Impacts of Climate Change on Rockfalls and Debris Flows III. Observed and future changes in debris-flow activity in the Alps (Prof. M. Stoffel – UNIGE)
  • 5.6: Impacts of Climate Change on Rockfalls and Debris Flows IV. Observed and future changes in rockfall activity in the Alps (Prof. M. Stoffel – UNIGE)

Dealing with Natural Hazards in Switzerland

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • 5.7.1: Dealing with Natural Hazards in Switzerland I. Risk situation in Switzerland - Concepts of integrated risk management (IRM) - part I (Dr J. Hess – FOEN)
  • 5.7.2: Dealing with Natural Hazards in Switzerland I. Risk situation in Switzerland - Concepts of integrated risk management (IRM) - part II (Dr J. Hess – FOEN)
  • 5.8.1: Dealing with Natural Hazards in Switzerland II. How to implement IRM ? Key measures of integrated risk management - part I (Dr J. Hess – FOEN)
  • 5.8.2: Dealing with Natural Hazards in Switzerland II. How to implement IRM ? Key measures of integrated risk management - part II (Dr J. Hess – FOEN)

Conclusion

    • 1 Readings
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1 Readings

  • Conclusion of Unit 5

Rated Evaluation

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Take the quiz of Unit 5!

Auto Summary

Embark on an insightful journey into the realm of environmental science with the course "Climate Change and Water in Mountains: A Global Concern." This course delves into the pressing issue of climate change and its profound effects on water resources in mountainous regions. Coordinated by the University of Geneva, this program draws inspiration from the European ACQWA project, which brought together around 100 experts to study the impacts of climate change on mountain water systems from 2008 to 2013. Guided by a distinguished team of twenty-five instructors from five countries and fourteen esteemed institutions, this interdisciplinary course offers a comprehensive exploration of climate change. You'll learn about the evolving dynamics of water resources in mountain areas, understand the associated risks, and explore effective adaptation strategies. Key topics include the impact on hydropower, agriculture, aquatic ecosystems, and health, as well as water governance. Designed for professionals, this course spans 1080 minutes and includes multiple-choice quizzes to assess your understanding. Available through Coursera, it offers flexible subscription options, including a starter plan. Whether you are a scientist, policy-maker, or environmental enthusiast, this course is tailored to equip you with the knowledge to address the challenges posed by climate change in mountainous regions. Join us and contribute to a global understanding of this vital issue with the University of Geneva's expertly crafted program.

Martin Beniston
Instructors

Martin Beniston

Markus Stoffel
Instructors

Markus Stoffel