F1ES 4215 - Interlinkages of Biodiversity and Climate Change: Science, Policy & Governance

This course critically explores how biodiversity, climate, and human systems co-evolve within complex socio-ecological networks that underpin global sustainability. Students analyze systemic risks, governance challenges, and equity issues linked to biodiversity-climate interlinkages and beyond. Emphasizing science-policy interfaces, multi-level governance, and global negotiations, the course examines challenges and opportunities in integrating biodiversity and climate regimes and aligning frameworks such as IPBES, IPCC, and CBD. Through case studies and recent assessments, students explore policy pathways for transformative coherence and integrated action beyond Agenda 2030.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand key scientific concepts in biodiversity and climate change and their ecological interdependencies.
• Analyze international biodiversity and climate governance structures and their coordination challenges.
• Understand negotiation dynamics at intergovernmental platforms (IPBES, IPCC) and conventions (UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD).
• Develop skills to assess and navigate science-policy interfaces and negotiation dynamics in environmental governance.
• Translate complex interdisciplinary knowledge into practical recommendations for integrated biodiversity-climate policy and governance.

Professional Skills:

• Systems thinking applied to complex environmental problems
• Strategic analysis of multi-level environmental governance
• Critical assessment of multidisciplinary scientific evidence
• Navigating international environmental governance and policy integration
• Science-policy communication of complex issues

Basic knowledge of environmental science and policy is recommended. Prior exposure to international environmental policies, ecosystem services, and climate science will support effective engagement.

Interactive lectures blended with case study workshops and simulations. Feedback provided through written comments on assignments and in-class discussions. Peer and self-assessment encouraged to foster reflective learning.

(i) Group project analysing biodiversity-climate policy interlinkages (report + group presentation in class end semester) (50%);

(ii) Individual take-home essay critically assessing a policy/governance challenge (end semester with milestone mid-semester (40%);

(iii) Participation in discussions and peer reviews 10%

In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester

• Online Learning: 0.5 hour per week / 6 hours semester
• Reading/Preparation for Class: 4 hours per week / 48 hours semester
• Research/Group Work: 3 hour per week / 36 hours semester
• Individual Assessment Preparation: 2 hour per week / 24 hours semester
• Other: Reflection journals, peer feedback: 1 hour per week / 12 hours semester