Extreme weather events and their environmental implications (A) – The Global Perspective  (0349-4433-01) Prof. Hadas Saaroni

Syllabi

The course combines the climate and environmental aspects of extreme events on the global perspective. First, it focuses on methodologies for defining extreme events (e.g., temperatures, precipitation, wind, cyclones etc.) thresholds, statistical methods for analyzing variations and trends and development of future scenarios. Secondly, vulnerability and environmental implications are studied such as the cryosphere, sea level, hydrological cycle, flooding, agriculture water and food, health and socio-economic aspects.

Course topics include:

• Definitions of extreme events: methodologies and difficulties
• Climate forecasting and weather forecasting – what is between them?
• Global perspective of climate extremity: past and future
• Uncertainties, confidence levels etc.
• Vulnerability –observations and future scenarios for exemplified environmental aspects
• 'Lost in Translation' – difficulties and challenges in  natural hazards research
• Adaptation: evaluations and recommendations

Prerequisite:

Introduction to climate and environmental aspects

Tasks:

Exercises (20%), Active participation (20%) Final report (60%)