Methods of Global Environmental Change

Course Objective

The overarching aim of this course is to familiarize students with measurement methods and techniques from different disciplines that are commonly used to identify, simulate and evaluate the impact of a multi-hazard event. The following are expected outcomes of active participation and collaboration in this course:

1. The student understands the principle of risk, as well as the dynamics between risk components (Hazard x Exposure x Vulnerability).
2. The student is able to model a likely and realistic multi-hazard event for a predefined area using methods such as area analysis in GIS and in-field observations collected through various techniques.
3. The student is able to analyze potential multi-hazard scenarios and exposure, using GIS and Remote Sensing techniques.
4. The student is able to estimate the change in vulnerability to different sectors and identify feedback loops that result from the sequential occurrence of multiple consecutive hazards as well as the implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) measures.
5. The student is able to critically evaluate the vulnerability of objects and assets at risk during a series of disasters by comparing modeled vulnerability with observed reality.
6. The student is able to evaluate the risk perceptions and adaptation dynamics in different sectors (e.g. households), using questionnaires and interviews.

Based on an overarching analysis of the data collected and resulting findings in points 1-6, the student is able to provide overall conclusions on susceptibility to multi-hazard risk and provide clear and concise policy recommendations.

Course Content

This course is a follow up of the course Earth Observation Research Methods AM_1285, and is meant only for students in the master Earth Sciences, specialization Global Environmental Change and Policy. Methods taught in the Earth Observation Research Methods course will be applied here, while other Earth Scientific, Environmental, ecological, and socio-economic methods will be introduced. Application of these methods will take place in the context of a fieldwork.

The field context is the analysis of multi-risk in a given location in Tenerife island (ES). The fieldwork is a contribution to the MYRIAD-EU project and will be presented at the Universidad de La Laguna. Both preparations and fieldwork contain hazard, exposure and vulnerability analysis of two disasters happing after each other. The impact of Disaster Risk Reduction measures on the second disaster is evaluated, while suggestions for DRR improvement is suggested.

Additional Information Teaching Methods

The students develop their own research question and related methodology. Both must: contribute to the general research question be a cooperation with other groups in terms of shared methodology and resulting data be a mixture of physical and socio-economics. The combination of techniques must answer the research question contribute to one choice experiment carried out by all groups together. (This may be the only socio-economic technique) Schedule and assessments The subject is divided in three parts with related end products: Preparation: a field plan. The first 7 days are used to conduct a desk study and to write a field plan. The first days start with lectures on the general assignment and background information on the natural conditions and economic situation in Tenerife. Inspiration lectures for your methodology follow on the second day. A few times each group of two people have a meeting with the teachers to discuss the progress of their field plan. The final field plan is presented on the day before the travel to Tenerife. Fieldwork: data collection and analyzed data. The field work starts with an introduction to the area. The field work will be carried out and data is analyzed according to the field plan in 5 days, or adjusted with reason. Every morning the students discuss their plans with the staff, when also field appointments are made. The last field day an excursion will be organized by the students. In the afternoon we have one general presentation of the whole field work as one group at the University of La Laguna, Faculty of Economics, Tenerife (ES). Poster presentation: the results have to be discussed and the subquestion per group has to be answered, followed by suggestions for policy and the students of next year. This has to be presented on an attractive and eay to understand poster in size A1. The poster is presented on the last afternoon.

Method of Assessment

Fieldplan report, (analysed) fieldwork results, scientific poster, presentations

Entry Requirements

Experience in GIS

Literature

Several mandatory and suggested to read papers are provided in the course syllabus

Additional Information Target Audience

First year students in Master Earth Sciences, specialization Global Environmental Change and Policy

Additional Information

Accommodation with kitchen will be organised and payed by VU. The students have to take care of transport to Tenerife and on Tenerife (a car per groups of four) and food.

Custom Course Registration

A month before the start the participants list is final. No later adjustments may be made, also no withdrawals. When students do, an invoice for the non-used accomodation will follow and is charged to the student.

Explanation Canvas

Course syllabus, practical info, assignments and rubrics will be provided via Canvas

Recommended background knowledge

All subjects in the first semester of GEC&P year 1. The subject cannot be done without knowledge of and experience in GIS.