Human-induced climate change is a reality and societies need to decarbonise. There is an increasing scientific evidence base that global temperature trends are reacting to the enormous quantities of greenhouses gases that have accumulated in the atmosphere over the past 150 years. As a response to this, nations around the world are implementing climate change mitigation activities to facilitate the transition towards low carbon economies and societies.

The key focus of this module will be an examination of the strategies that can be used by businesses and other organisations to facilitate a transition to a low-carbon economy and society, together with a consideration of the implications of climate change for sustainable development at national, regional and local scales. The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) recognises that in order to address climate change, adaptation and mitigation options are essential, but no single option is sufficient by itself. Effective responses to climate change are dependent on integrated approaches to governance, policy development and cooperation from local to global levels. Through real world examples the module examines various strategies to reduce carbon emissions and provides a critical consideration of the ways that the economy and society can become better equipped to tackle the climate crisis through realigning the economy to enable sustainable development.

The two elements of assessment are linked:
1. Product Supply Chain Poster: for this assignment students will map the carbon emissions associated with the supply chain for a product or service of their choice and identify ways in which emissions can be reduced (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 & 4).
2. Carbon Management Plan: this element requires students to then devise a carbon management plan in the context of the product or service that they examined in the first element of assessment. Students will use the knowledge and understanding gained within the module to justify and evaluate the feasibility of their proposed strategy to reduce the emissions associated with their chosen product or service (Learning Outcomes 1 – 5).
These linked assessments are designed to provide valuable vocational skills that are highly relevant for the transition to a resilient low carbon economy/society.
Formative assessment opportunities are available throughout the module - structured class activities will allow you to discuss ideas introduced in the module and relate them to the module assessments providing you with the opportunity to self-evaluate your understanding of module materials. You will also be provided with the opportunity to discuss your ideas for the module assignments and receive feedback on their plans.

This module will be delivered through a combination of independent and online learning, scheduled class sessions, and planning, researching and producing the module assessments.

Materials and resources that introduce the main themes and key concepts covered in the module, as well as supporting the development of the key skills required to complete the assessment will be made available via the VLE. These may be on the form of pre-recorded lectures, a set of directed readings, links to videos or appropriate micro-certification packages, or a mixture.

Workshops and seminars will provide students with the opportunity to: (i) debate and further explore the ideas introduced in the learning materials; (ii) discuss how they will use them to address the module assessment; and (iii) receive guidance on completing the assessment.

You should spend the independent learning hours working through the learning resources and self-instructional materials provided in the VLE, completing preparatory and follow-up activities for the class sessions, and completing the module assessments.

Module Learning Outcome
1. Define and demonstrate a critical understanding of the key concepts and principles that underpin the transition to a low carbon economy/society.

University Learning Outcome
Knowledge & Understanding Enquiry

Module Learning Outcome
2. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of climate change mitigation strategies needed to reduce carbon emissions, the factors shaping their character, and the costs, benefits and barriers relating to their implementation.

University Learning Outcome
Knowledge & Understanding Enquiry

Module Learning Outcome
3. Critically evaluate the role of climate change mitigation activities as credible responses to the climate crisis.

University Learning Outcome
Analysis

Module Learning Outcome
4. Appreciate the role of the economy as both a driver of climate change and a tool of remediation.

University Learning Outcome
Knowledge & Understanding

Module Learning Outcome
5. Devise and justify strategies for managing carbon emissions.

University Learning Outcome
Application Problem Solving Communication Reflection

VLE for accessing learning resources
High quality teaching space for face to face seminars where appropriate with usual audio-visual facilities Library resources both online and physical to support research.

1. Berners-Lee, M. (2021) There Is No Planet B: A Handbook for the Make or Break Years (Updated Edition) Cambridge University Press
2. Berners-Lee, M. (2020) How Bad Are Bananas?: The Carbon Footprint of Everything. Profile Books
3. Brohe, A. (2016) The Handbook of Carbon Accounting. Routledge
4. Kopnina, H. & Blewitt, J. (2018) Sustainable Business: Key Issues. Routledge
5. Kopnina, H. & Polder, K. (2021) Circular Economy: Challenges and Opportunities for Ethical and Sustainable Business. Routledge

N/A

The relentless resource use resulting from our socio-economic activities is driving climate change and environmental degradation. This module examines the myriad societal responses to climate change and focuses on exploring strategies for climate change mitigation and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon society/economy.