Spring 2026
Climate Change and Natural Disasters
Dates: February 02, 2026 - March 06, 2026Day/Time: Monday; Wednesday; Friday 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM EST
Level: 200-Level
Certificate: Sustainability and Climate Solutions
Instructor: Sagynbek Orunbaev, American University of Central Asia
The societies that we live in are regularly subjected to different types of natural and environmental disasters, both man-made and natural, and these seem to be increasing in both severity and frequency as human settlements expand into new regions, we begin to exploit more resources, and our climate changes around us. The impact of climate change on our world and way of life is not to be underestimated, and the consequences of not adapting to our new reality could be disastrous. This course aims to introduce students to the concepts involved in disaster and emergency management as they relate to the natural environment and the impacts of climate change. The course will cover an introduction to the types, causes, and impacts of natural and environmental disasters; an introduction to climate science and modeling; an explanation of the connections between climate change and the frequency and severity of natural disaster occurrences; an overview of the risk analysis and disaster and emergency management strategies that can be employed to mitigate against the impacts of such occurrences; and the importance of not just preparing for and mitigating these disasters, but adapting our societies to the new realities we face under climate change for our continued survival.
Credits: 3 US / 6 ECTS