This specialisation diploma was created with the aim of training professionals and experts in basic knowledge on environmental sustainability and climate change, focusing on both urban territories and rural areas and paying special attention to the Mediterranean environment. Climate change is one of the most important challenges facing the present and future of humanity and has lately been overshadowed by the COVID crisis, although we know about the multiple links between pandemics and climate change. In fact, the latest report of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity concludes that COVID-19 and climate change share a common cause: the unsustainable exploitation of resources. The destruction of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity caused by activities such as intensive farming, industrial ranching, trade in wild species and changes in land use, especially deforestation and the appropriation of ecosystems for productive activities and urban developments, are responsible of new zoonotic diseases, global warming emissions and the mass extinction of species. The report recommends limiting these activities in the future and rethinking the relationship between humans and nature to reduce the global environmental changes caused by production and consumption systems as indispensable measures to combat climate change and, at the same time, minimise the risk of future pandemics. Thus, this new postgraduate course stresses the need for changes in modes of production and consumption towards sustainable alternatives that challenge capitalism as an hegemonic socio-cultural and economic system.

The aim of this postgraduate course is to train students to develop the most demanded professional profiles in the design of strategies against climate change. The teaching plan is completely multidisciplinary and, in this sense, it is aimed at graduates in Environmental Sciences, Tourism, Geography, Rural and Forestry Engineering, Biology, Sociology, Political Science, Economics, Business Administration and Management, Architecture and other related disciplines. The diploma is also oriented to professionals working in different areas related to sustainability, both in public administration, private enterprise and civil society associations, who want to acquire specific knowledge and skills or update their competences on climate change and sustainability or others who want to start in this field of specialisation.

This new degree will last 30ECTS, will be taught from October 2021 to July 2022 and will be directed by Luís del Romero and Carme Melo, from the Department of Geography at the University of Valencia. Melo is also the director of the Gandia International Centre.

The course will have a hybrid format: the learning methodology will combine face-to-face and virtual activities. The face-to-face teaching will be given at the UV headquarters in Gandia. The virtual teaching will be carried out through Aula Virtual, where documentary and audio-visual materials will be shared with students, and Blackboard Collaborate, especially thought videoconferences, forums and chats.

This is the first degree by the University of Valencia devoted entirely to the study, diagnosis and design of strategies related to the fight against climate change. In this sense, the proposed diploma is essential to expand the training offered by the institution in response to the demands and evolution of society.

Enrolment for the postgraduate specialization course in climate change and environmental sustainability is expected to start in the coming weeks. Any questions or requests for information can be sent to the following email address: diploma.diccsa@gmail.com