Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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This one-off taster session introduces the core ideas behind climate change-what it is, why it matters, and how the world is responding to the climate crisis. Using clear, jargon-free explanations, we will explore the science, politics, and real-world impacts of a warming planet, and place COP31 in its broader international context.
What will we cover?
Outline the fundamentals of climate science, including the greenhouse effect, global temperature rise, and extreme weather.
Look at the history of the COP (Conference of the Parties) meetings and how they have shaped global climate agreements.
Discuss the goals, priorities, and challenges expected at COP31.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understand the basic science behind climate change.
Describe what COP meetings are and why they matter globally
Recognise the key themes and debates shaping COP31.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a beginners‑level taster session. No prior knowledge of climate science or international politics is required-just curiosity and an interest in the world around you.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Teaching will include an illustrated and interactive presentation and Q&A. There is no required work outside the session, though optional follow‑up resources will be provided if you'd like to explore the topic further.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs. All materials will be provided. You may wish to bring a notebook or device for taking notes.
Anita is a sustainability professional with experience spanning the not-for-profit, public and private sectors, including senior advisory and assurance roles for UK Government and an international children's charity. She holds a MSc in Global Governance & Ethics from UCL's School of Public Policy, a MSc in Construction Economics & Management from UCL's Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, as well as a BEng in Civil Engineering and MBA from Imperial College. Anita represents the UK in the development of international standards in sustainability, governance, ESG and modern slavery and was interviewed on the BBC and CNBC during the global pandemic. Her training and education roles have included the fields of risk, value, facilitation, sustainability, resilience, business continuity, crises and future risks. Anita is a member of UNA-UK and Co-Chairs the Sustainability Alumni Network, Imperial College London.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/climate-change-and-cop31-a-beginners-guide3042355Climate change and COP31: a beginners' guidehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/a-taste-of-politics-hpc36.jpg1919GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Global & regional politics/Courses/Online courses2285117716771354217311228511771677<p>Learn about global solutions to the global challenge of climate change and the role of the COP31 climate conference.</p>003042349Climate change and COP31: a beginners' guide1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/a-taste-of-politics-hpc36.jpgInStockEveningWedOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-10-07T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allOct 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC3421919Climate change and COP31: a beginners' guide191219Anita Punwaniclimate-change-and-cop31-a-beginners-guide/hpc342-2627<p>Learn about global solutions to the global challenge of climate change and the role of the COP31 climate conference.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-07 00:00:00<p>This one-off taster session introduces the core ideas behind climate change-what it is, why it matters, and how the world is responding to the climate crisis. Using clear, jargon-free explanations, we will explore the science, politics, and real-world impacts of a warming planet, and place COP31 in its broader international context.</p><p>Learn about global solutions to the global challenge of climate change and the role of the COP31 climate conference.</p><ul><li>Outline the fundamentals of climate science, including the greenhouse effect, global temperature rise, and extreme weather.</li><li>Look at the history of the COP (Conference of the Parties) meetings and how they have shaped global climate agreements.</li></ul><p>Discuss the goals, priorities, and challenges expected at COP31.</p><ul><li>Understand the basic science behind climate change.</li><li>Describe what COP meetings are and why they matter globally</li><li>Recognise the key themes and debates shaping COP31.</li></ul><p>This is a beginners‑level taster session. No prior knowledge of climate science or international politics is required-just curiosity and an interest in the world around you.</p><p>Teaching will include an illustrated and interactive presentation and Q&A. There is no required work outside the session, though optional follow‑up resources will be provided if you'd like to explore the topic further.</p><p>There are no additional costs. All materials will be provided. You may wish to bring a notebook or device for taking notes.</p><p>View all our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/global-regional-politics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Global & Regional Politics courses</a>. </p><p><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/refer-a-friend" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Give a friend £20 off their first course</a><br>And you will also get £20 off your next course over £99.</p>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsvirtual191912HPC342NONEWed07/10/2618:00 - 19:3018:0019:301 session1One-off onlyEveningWeekdayONLOnlineAnita PunwaniBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-10-07T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Culture, history & humanities1919Climate change and COP31: a beginners' guideclimate-change-and-cop31-a-beginners-guide/hpc342-2627<p>Learn about global solutions to the global challenge of climate change and the role of the COP31 climate conference.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-07 00:00:00<p>This one-off taster session introduces the core ideas behind climate change-what it is, why it matters, and how the world is responding to the climate crisis. Using clear, jargon-free explanations, we will explore the science, politics, and real-world impacts of a warming planet, and place COP31 in its broader international context.</p><p>Learn about global solutions to the global challenge of climate change and the role of the COP31 climate conference.</p><ul><li>Outline the fundamentals of climate science, including the greenhouse effect, global temperature rise, and extreme weather.</li><li>Look at the history of the COP (Conference of the Parties) meetings and how they have shaped global climate agreements.</li></ul><p>Discuss the goals, priorities, and challenges expected at COP31.</p><ul><li>Understand the basic science behind climate change.</li><li>Describe what COP meetings are and why they matter globally</li><li>Recognise the key themes and debates shaping COP31.</li></ul><p>This is a beginners‑level taster session. No prior knowledge of climate science or international politics is required-just curiosity and an interest in the world around you.</p><p>Teaching will include an illustrated and interactive presentation and Q&amp;A. There is no required work outside the session, though optional follow‑up resources will be provided if you'd like to explore the topic further.</p><p>There are no additional costs. All materials will be provided. You may wish to bring a notebook or device for taking notes.</p><p>View all our <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/global-regional-politics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Global &amp; Regional Politics courses</a>. </p><p><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/refer-a-friend" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Give a friend £20 off their first course</a><br>And you will also get £20 off your next course over £99.</p>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsconfigurable
