Indira Gandhi National Open University(IGNOU) इंदिरा गांधी राष्ट्रीय मुक्त विश्वविद्यालय (इग्नू)
The climate has always been changing since the earth was formed. However, since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have emerged as a dominant force influencing the planet & environmental systems, ushering in what is often referred to as the Anthropocene era. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increased greenhouse gas emissions have accelerated climate change, making it one of the most pressing challenges of the twenty-first century. Its impacts are increasingly evident across ecosystems, economies, and societies,
posing significant threats to ecological integrity, human well-being, and sustainable development.
The rising global temperature and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events underscore the urgency of climate action. As one of the world's fastest-growing economies, India is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change while also playing a critical role in global mitigation efforts. Committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, India has initiated several strategic measures and demonstrated substantial progress through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These efforts include ambitious initiatives aimed at expanding renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainable resource management, and strengthening climate resilience. In this context, there is a growing need for skilled professionals capable of understanding climate-related challenges and developing innovative, science-based solutions for a sustainable future.
In this backdrop, the M.Sc. Climate Change programme is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of climate science, climate-related risks, and sustainable solutions for building resilient societies and ecosystems. It enables learners to understand the causes and impacts of climate change, evaluate mitigation and adaptation strategies, and apply climate assessment tools for informed decision-making. The curriculum explores the interconnections between climate change and critical sectors such as water resources, energy systems, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, waste management, and circular economy. The programme offers a multidisciplinary perspective on climate change by integrating scientific, environmental, social, legal, governance, and policy dimensions.
Credits: 4
Yearly 2