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701-1282-00L 3 Credits DR , MSC D-USYS , D-GESS

Climate Change Mitigation: Emissions Reduction

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Cyril Brunner, Dr. Michael Windisch
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:19

Abstract

In this course, we discuss what is physically necessary to limit human-induced climate change and what options we have to achieve this. We analyze the sectoral sources of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, examine the methods for reducing emissions for each sector, including technological and demand-side options. Finally, we reflect on the psychological dimensions of climate change mitigation

Objective

After the course, students are able to: - make informed decisions in the private sector or administration regarding climate change mitigation. - systematically evaluate and develop the major, high-level elements of a sound climate strategy in a company, a canton, or a national level. - critically assess and classify public discussions and developments on the mitigation of climate change.

Content

- Physical requirements to limit human-induced warming - How emission pathway scenarios are developed: Integrated assessment models and their advantages/limits - Sources of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions - Technological and demand-side options for mitigating climate change in the major global sectors: buildings (heat), land mobility, agri-food system, aviation, shipping, land-use change and forestry, and industry (e.g., energy, cement, steel, aluminium, petrochemistry). - Sufficiency, consumption, concepts of green growth and degrowth This course complements the course 701-1346-00L Climate Change Mitigation: Carbon Dioxide Removal.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Course Website:Link

Literature

IPCC, 2022: Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change. Contribution of Working Group III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change[P.R. Shukla, J. Skea, R. Slade, A. Al Khourdajie, R. van Diemen, D. McCollum, M. Pathak, S. Some, P. Vyas, R. Fradera, M. Belkacemi, A. Hasija, G. Lisboa, S. Luz, J. Malley, (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA. doi: 10.1017/9781009157926.001.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
Closed-book exam. Apart from writing materials, no other aids are permitted.
Digital
The examination takes place on your own device. Installation of SEB required.
The performance assessments of this lecture consists of the following elements:- a final written exam. It counts either 70 or 100%. We aim to have it in the second week after the semester (mid June).- a midterm: It is voluntary but highly recommended and it counts 30% to the final grade if it increases the grade.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Climate Change Mitigation: Emissions Reduction
  • Fri 14:15-16:00 (LFO C 13)
  • Fri 14:15-16:00 (ML F 39)
  • 27.03 Date 14:15-16:00 (ML D 28)
  • 27.04 Date 12:15-14:00 (ML D 28)
2 h weekly

Offered In