Climate Change and Development

Overview

Global climate change presents daunting and exciting challenges, especially for the developing world, where traditional routes to development are at odds with the need for a low carbon economy. 

At the same time, building resilience to climate change and variability is fundamental to sustainable development and prosperity. 

A transdisciplinary approach that integrates the biophysical, technological, socio-economic sciences and the humanities is required to successfully engage with these challenges.

South Africa is well positioned to engage with these issues given that it's a developing country with good technology and infrastructure, yet it is also an economy in transition and is home to less-developed communities. Thus, it provides a microcosm of the developing world’s social, environmental, and economic development issues.

Who should attend?

We seek applicants who want to gain a broad understanding of the issues involved in climate change and sustainable development from an African and developing world perspective, and who want a comprehensive introduction to climate change issues. Applicants should be Honours or four-year Bachelor graduates from across the spectrum of disciplines, who have completed a research-based project or dissertation in their final year. 

The Climate Change and Development course from University of Cape Town  will equip its graduates for employment in government, local authorities, businesses with a sustainability agenda, consultancies, NGOs and international development organisations. It will also provide the foundation for those aiming to do a PhD in climate and development. It is aimed at both recent graduates and those with several years’ experience who wish to engage with these pressing issues within the context of their vocations.