Final Project: Climate Plan Audit
CEVE 421/521
Draft Material
This content is under development and subject to change.
Overview
Working in small teams, you will act as expert consultants to audit a real-world climate planning document. Your chosen document must be decision-relevant—it should contain identifiable decisions (Levers) and measurable outcomes (Metrics).
The project is built through three “Audit Memos” (1–2 pages each) to ensure steady progress, culminating in an Executive Briefing presentation and a final Written Report.
Timeline
| Deadline | Deliverable | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Week 3 (Friday) | Topic Proposal | Submit document choice and confirm it contains identifiable Levers (L) and Metrics (M). |
| Week 7 (Friday) | Memo 1 (Framework) | Map the plan’s Levers (L) and Metrics (M). What choices are being made? What outcomes are being measured? |
| Week 10 (Friday) | Memo 2 (Evidence) | Map the plan’s Valuation approach and System Models (R). What models are used? Are they appropriate? |
| Week 12 (Friday) | Memo 3 (Robustness) | Map the plan’s consideration of Uncertainties (X) and Robustness. How does the plan handle deep uncertainty? |
| Week 13 (Friday) | Slides Due | All teams must submit their presentation slides. |
| Week 14 | Executive Briefing | A 20-minute team presentation. Non-presenting teams act as the “Client Board.” |
| Finals | Written Report | A synthesis of your memos with a final recommendation. |
Team Formation
- Teams of 2-3 students
- Mixed 421/521 teams encouraged
- Form teams by Week 2; confirm with instructor
Choosing a Plan
Your document must be:
- Publicly Available: The plan should be accessible online.
- Decision-Relevant: It should contain identifiable Levers (decisions) and Metrics (outcomes).
- Climate-Related: The plan should address climate hazards or climate change adaptation/mitigation.
Good examples include:
- City or regional climate action plans
- Flood risk management strategies
- Coastal resilience plans
- Infrastructure adaptation assessments