A Virtual Summer Course Looking at Global Climate Change with Partners in USA

12-07-2021

The Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, USA and the University of Rwanda’s Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management (UR- CoEB) at the College of Science and Technology partner to bring together American and Rwandan Master’s students for a fully immersive virtual study-abroad program called Climate Policy : A Global, Transdisciplinary Approach for the Future. This course features TED-style talks with leading climate experts from around the world, as well as cultural exchanges with young climate activists, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

Out of 88 applicants from postgraduate programs at University of Rwanda 25 students from five masters programs (Biodiversity conservation and natural resource management, Energy economics, Environmental chemistry, Renewable energy, Atmosphere and Climate Science, Agroforestry and Soil Management, and Geo-Informatics and Environmental sustainable development were selected, including two PhD students studying climate change.

University of Rwanda students will have the opportunity to learn in a multidisciplinary setting with students from many different postgraduate programs, and in a multicultural setting with their counterparts from the United States. Students will have an unprecedented opportunity to hear from top climate thought leaders and visionaries from throughout the world, giving students a global perspective on climate change and an understanding of some of the most consequential policy problems facing governments today, as well as a look at new innovations and future strategies.

The majority of the sessions will be held over two weekends (July 24-25 and July 31-August 1), plus an orientation on July 11 and final session on August 8.

First day zoom meeting class session of Climate policy summer school