Technologies for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation (ESG533)

In this course ESG533 Technologies for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, intended to be accessible to non-technical learners, we will first establish a strong foundational understanding of the science of climate change. Gaining a deeper appreciation of the intricate and complex nature of the climate change challenge will highlight the need for a systems-thinking approach when evaluating the effectiveness of various mitigation and adaptation technologies. We will then explore the various mitigation and adaptation measures, both established and emerging, to develop the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate their roles and suitability in addressing climate change. We will examine technologies such as renewables, nuclear, carbon capture, storage and utilisation, alternative fuels, and energy efficiency through several lenses, such as effectiveness, scalability, maturity and cost-effectiveness, and urgency given the geographic, economic and social context. We will also study these measures from the perspectives of life cycle thinking and strategic considerations such as energy security, supply chain dynamics, and geopolitics in the local and regional context.

• Climate change science
• Life cycle and systems thinking principles
• Renewable energy
• Nuclear energy
• Hydrogen including hydrogen carriers
• Energy efficiency and conservation
• Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage and direct air capture
• Phase down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in cooling systems
• Alternative fuels
• Smart grids and green technologies
• Climate policy and governance on mitigation and resilience building
• Economic, geopolitical and other strategic considerations

• Assess the contributing factors to climate change and predict its impacts using scientific principles
• Evaluate the role of technology in mitigating climate change
• Appraise adaptation technologies for enhancing resilience to climate change
• Formulate mitigation and adaptation strategies using life cycle and systems thinking principles
• Recommend solutions incorporating technological innovations that effectively address climate change
• Critique and defend the use of mitigation and adaptation technologies based on technical and strategic considerations