Course

Unit 1

Climate Change, The Science of Climate Change; Causes: Natural & Human causes; Impacts of climate change: Agriculture, Water insecurity, Natural disasters and extreme climate events, sea level rise health, eco systems and bio diversity

Unit 2

Understanding the Concept and Definitions: Disaster, Hazard, Vulnerability, Risk, Resilience, Capacity, Mitigation Impact of Disasters, Disaster Profiles – Global, National, State-wise scenario of disasters

Unit 3

Climate change and disasters – Links between global warming, deforestation, pollution. Socio-cultural and economic dimensions of environmental degradation: Common pool resources, livelihood and disasters; Impacts on food production and supply.

Unit 4

Disaster Management cycle. Framework to understand vulnerability. Application of Social Work Interventions to Support Disaster Risk Management. Role of social workers in Disaster Management,

Unit 5

Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction, adaptation and disaster risk reduction, Disaster risk reduction and the UNFCCC process. Use of digital tools for community mapping and needs assessment in disaster contexts (mobile surveys, GPS mapping, basic participatory GIS).

Text Books / References

References

1. Blaikie, Piers et al, At Risk: Natural Hazards, People’s Vulnerabilities and Disasters, London, Routledge and Kegan, Paul, 1994.
2. Bankoff, G., Hilhorst. D. and Frerks. G, Mapping Vulnerability: Disasters, Development and People, James & James/ Earthscan, 2004.
3. NDMA guidance documents and national disaster management plan (accessible online) — for policy and practice reference

This course provides an overview of climate change science and its links with disaster occurrence, vulnerability, resilience, and management. Students will learn the socio-economic and ecological impacts of climate change and disasters, and the role of social work and community-based approaches in disaster risk reduction and post-disaster recovery.

Course Objectives

1. To introduce students to the science of climate change and its broad impacts on society, ecosystems and livelihoods.
2. To develop understanding of core disaster management concepts — hazard, vulnerability, risk, resilience, capacity, mitigation — and their relation to development.
3. To enable students to apply social work and community-based approaches in disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Course Outcomes (CO)

1. Explain the scientific basis of climate change and its major impacts (agriculture, water, health, ecosystems).
2. Define and differentiate key disaster management concepts (hazard, vulnerability, risk, resilience) and illustrate national/state disaster profiles.
3. Apply community-based disaster management approaches and social work interventions for mitigation, preparedness, response and psychosocial care.

CO-PO Mapping