Global Climate Change Science & Policy

The Global Climate Change Science and Policy Course (EAS4443/5443/4441) focuses on how science factors into global policy making, including through the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Students in the course work with partner organizations to assist them with climate change–related research projects and preparation for upcoming climate negotiations or meetings.

Students critically analyze contemporary climate change science and global environmental policy-making; articulate the main issues with global climate change from the viewpoints of different countries and people with diverse perspectives; and work to understand the barriers and opportunities to address the issues. The course enables Cornell students to participate in global, engaged learning projects and make vital contributions to the climate change work of developing countries and NGOs. The Global Climate Change Science and Policy course serves as a Capstone Course for juniors and seniors in the Environment & Sustainability major.

Fall 2022 Global Climate Change Science and Policy Briefs

The Government of Egypt hosted the 27th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheik Egypt from November 6-18, 2022. Leading up to COP27, six student teams from the Global Climate Change Science and Policy course developed policy Briefs and recommendations on key issues being negotiated at the COP. They conducted research and interviewed experts from the UNFCCC and other international organizations about their topics to help provide guidance for the Cornell Delegation to the UNFCCC Global Climate Change Negotiations and other negotiators. Eleven students attended the COP conference to work with the Cornell delegation and partner organizations. On the Cornell campus, student teams presented their final policy briefs in a Global Climate Change Symposium at the end of the semester.

Community Engaged Team Research Projects - 2022

The Global Climate Change Science and Policy course is offered by the Departments of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and the Environment & Sustainability Program. Funding to develop the engaged learning curriculum was provided by Engaged Cornell.