Explore Climate Studies
Climate Studies examines climate processes, impacts and responses across society. This subject guide introduces the questions, methods and practical work that help learners understand the field before choosing a formal course of study.
A strong starting point is to connect climate systems with climate data. The first develops a foundation for reasoning; the second provides a setting in which to test ideas. Keep a learning journal that records assumptions, sources and questions that remain unresolved.
Four areas to investigate
Climate systems
Connect climate systems to the study of climate processes, impacts and responses across society. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Climate data
Connect climate data to the study of climate processes, impacts and responses across society. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Adaptation
Connect adaptation to the study of climate processes, impacts and responses across society. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Climate policy
Connect climate policy to the study of climate processes, impacts and responses across society. Compare an introductory explanation with a worked example, then describe where the approach is useful and where it may fail.
Learn through inquiry
Compare adaptation options for a hypothetical coastal community under uncertainty.
Begin with a question narrow enough to investigate. Decide what evidence would support an answer, document the method and explain what further work would be needed.