AU to launch MTech in climate change & disaster management

Chennai: Anna University is set to launch a new MTech degree in climate change and disaster management from the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative aims to create skilled graduates in environmental resilience and disaster risk management.

The curriculum will cover climate science, advanced modelling, geospatial analysis, climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, carbon finance, infrastructure resilience, and integrated disaster response systems.

"Climate change-induced extreme weather events such as heatwaves, cyclones, floods, and heavy rainfall are occurring with increased frequency in this century. We are launching this course to ensure disaster management experts are available even in rural areas," said A Ramachandran, emeritus professor and founder director of Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Management (CCCDM) at Anna University. "Our main aim is to build capacity with science-based planning and solutions," he added.

Anna University's (AU) department of civil engineering will offer this postgraduate programme. "The uniqueness of this course lies in merging climate and disaster management. Students will learn about sector-wise disaster risks, including agriculture, water, coastal areas, forestry, and building disaster resilience," said professor S Kanmani, head, department of civil engineering, College of Engineering, Guindy (CEG), AU.

CCCDM boasts a climate studio and a high-performance computing system. "Students will gain hands-on experience in advanced climate modelling, work on live projects, and do internships with govt agencies," she added.The total intake for the course will be 16 students.