eLearnAfrica
Thawing Permafrost: Science, Policy, and Environmental Justice in the Arctic
Woodwell Climate Research Center
  • Start Date: 10 Oct, 2022
  • 4 weeks
  • Study Content: Videos


Learn what permafrost is, its importance to the global climate, and how we can limit the harmful impacts of permafrost thaw.

Course Fee: Free
Certificate Cost: See Fees and Eligibility
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Course Description

This course is made available through the eLearnAfrica and FutureLearn partnership.

Develop your understanding of permafrost


Currently, the Arctic is warming at more than three times the global rate. This rapid warming poses a serious threat not only to the people who live on this frozen ground, but also to our global climate.


On this four-week course, you’ll explore how permafrost – soil that stays continually frozen year-round – is now thawing in the Northern hemisphere due to rising Arctic temperatures.


You’ll increase your understanding of how this thawing land releases greenhouse gases that accelerate the warming process, posing major threats to the climate.


Discover the impacts of permafrost thaw on Arctic people, land, and infrastructure


You’ll learn about the implications of permafrost thaw for Arctic residents, ecosystems, land, and infrastructure.


Next, you’ll understand how to develop policy responses and support Indigenous-led adaptation frameworks that address permafrost thaw and respond equitably to this urgent climate hazard.


Explore how feedback loops impact the global climate


With an understanding of how permafrost thaw affects Northern communities, you’ll then delve into how permafrost carbon feedback loops impact the global climate.


This knowledge will help you justify why emissions from permafrost thaw should be included in global climate targets.


Learn from the experts at Woodwell Climate Center


Throughout the course, you’ll be guided by the specialists at Woodwell Climate Research Center, who work with a worldwide network of partners to help tackle climate change.


With their expertise, you’ll finish the course with the knowledge and skills to identify the threats of thawing permafrost, and how we can mitigate harm.


This course is designed for anyone with a general awareness of human-caused climate change.


It will also be of interest to policymakers, policy influencers, and advocates wanting to learn more about permafrost thaw.


Certificate cost may vary. You will be redirected to the host page for cost and payment options.

Woodwell Climate Research Center

This university is part of the partnership between eLearnAfrica and FutureLearn.

This institution is available on eLearnAfrica through partnership with FutureLearn.

You may be able to download course materials after enrolling in this course. If not, all of the necessary course materials provided by the course instructor will be available on the provider's course page.
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