A) Students will become familiar with the most current and relevant empirical data and scientific analyses on climate change and its relationship with social systems. This knowledge will enable them to develop well-founded critical thinking skills. B) They will develop a heightened sensitivity to the impact of social action¿particularly that of industrialized societies¿on the climate, thereby fostering a reflective attitude and an ethical commitment to addressing contemporary environmental challenges. C) Students will gain an understanding of the interrelationship between the environment and human societies, especially regarding patterns of consumption, production models, and current climate trends. This will enhance their ability to manage complex information and to recognize the local and global dimensions of social phenomena. D) They will acquire knowledge of a variety of specific climate change mitigation measures, both at the individual level and within national and international frameworks. Students will be able to distinguish between more and less effective strategies and evaluate their real-world implementation, thereby strengthening their critical reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. E) Students will learn to effectively synthesize key readings and to communicate their insights clearly in both written and oral formats.

A) Defining the Climate Change Phenomenon The course begins by presenting climate change as a global transformation process, grounded in the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Topic 1. What do we mean by climate change as a global planetary phenomenon? Topic 2. Empirical evidence of climate change: Rise in average temperature. Melting of polar ice caps. Sea-level rise. Projected scenarios: strong mitigation; scenario; intermediate scenarios; high-emissions scenario. B) Anthropogenic Causes of Climate Change This block examines the human drivers behind climatic alterations. Topic 3. Greenhouse gases: types and mechanisms Topic 4. Key causes: Population size and growth. Economic activity and energy consumption (fossil fuels: natural gas, oil, coal). Consumer lifestyles and culture. Land-use patterns C) Social Impacts and Consequences We analyze how climate change differentially affects societies at various levels of development. Topic 5. Impacts and consequences for wealthy and low-income societies: vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities D) Mitigation and Adaptation Policies An exploration of international frameworks and policy instruments used to combat climate change. Topic 6. Institutional frameworks and international agreements: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Kyoto Protocol (Spain case study). Paris Agreement (COP21; Spain case study) Topic 7. Climate policy instruments: Emissions trading (carbon markets. Joint Implementation Mechanism. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Green Climate Fund. Mitigation and adaptation strategies E) Public Awareness and Social Mobilization This final block examines the role of public opinion, social movements, and institutions in advancing climate action. Topic 8. Society and climate change: Public opinion and survey data. Environmental movements and green political parties. The role of universities. Social instruments for climate action:Information and communication. Training and capacity building. Citizen participation

The course will be structured through a combination of theoretical classes, practical sessions, and readings, organized as follows: Theoretical Classes (2 ECTS credits): These will be conducted in a synchronous ONLINE format, featuring lectures in which the theoretical content of the course will be presented. Tools such as slide presentations and projectors will be used to enhance understanding. At the end of each session, time will be allocated for students to ask questions and clarify any doubts. Practical Classes (2 ECTS credits): These sessions will be held in the computer lab or regular classroom, and will involve exercises directly linked to the theoretical content. Students and the instructor will work collaboratively to analyze these exercises, using resources such as computers, films, documents, newspaper articles, and other materials. Readings (2 ECTS credits): Readings relevant to the course topics will be assigned by the instructor. These readings will be categorized as mandatory and supplementary, and will be individually completed by each student. Prior to each corresponding class, students must submit a brief individual analysis of the mandatory readings, summarizing key points and providing a critical evaluation.