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David Archer
This class describes the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate. Intended for an audience without much scientific background but a healthy sense of curiosity, the class brings together insights and perspectives from physics, chemistry, biology, earth and atmospheric sciences, and even some economics—all based on a foundation of simple mathematics (algebra).
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What's inside
Syllabus
Overview
What you will find in this class.
Heat, Light, and Energy
A primer on how to use units to describe numbers when describing temperature, energy, and light. Even if you don't plan on doing calculations yourself, understanding how units work will help to follow the rest of the lectures in the class. If you are interested in practicing your analysis skills, using units to guide calculations, there are some exercises in the Part II of this class.
Read more
Syllabus
Overview
What you will find in this class.
Heat, Light, and Energy
A primer on how to use units to describe numbers when describing temperature, energy, and light. Even if you don't plan on doing calculations yourself, understanding how units work will help to follow the rest of the lectures in the class. If you are interested in practicing your analysis skills, using units to guide calculations, there are some exercises in the Part II of this class.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Helps develop an understanding of climate science and its impact on the planet's future, with a strong foundation in physics, chemistry, biology, earth and atmospheric sciences, and economics
Appropriate for those with a general interest in science and those without significant scientific background, designed to foster a greater understanding of climate science
Taught by David Archer, a respected climate scientist and professor
Emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understanding climate change, including insights from various scientific disciplines
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Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary
Global warming science and modeling fundamentals
According to learners, this course provides a positive and accessible introduction to the complex science of global warming and climate change. Many appreciate how the course breaks down challenging topics, making them understandable even for those without a strong scientific background, fulfilling its stated goal. The lectures are frequently praised for their clarity and the instructor's effectiveness in explaining material. While the course aims for accessibility using basic math, some students note that the quantitative sections, particularly the climate modeling, can be challenging and might require more effort than anticipated, acting as a warning for those less comfortable with algebra. Overall, it is considered a solid foundation for understanding the scientific basis and future forecasts related to climate change.
Content is up-to-date and highly relevant.
"The information feels current and directly addresses today's climate concerns."
"Very relevant topics that are essential to understand in the current world."
"Appreciate the focus on both the science and potential impacts/mitigation."
Provides a strong introduction to the topic.
"A solid and comprehensive introduction to the science of climate change."
"This course gives you a great foundation to understand the key issues."
"Perfect for getting a grasp on the fundamentals before diving deeper."
Instructor effectively teaches complex material.
"The professor is excellent and passionate about the subject."
"Lectures are well-delivered and engaging, making the difficult topics interesting."
"I really enjoyed the instructor's teaching style; it helped me stay focused."
Explains complex scientific concepts clearly.
"The instructor does an amazing job explaining complicated concepts simply."
"This course makes the science behind climate change very understandable."
"Great overview of the scientific basis of global warming, easy to follow even without much prior science."
Quantitative sections are challenging for some.
"While the course says basic algebra, some of the modeling parts were quite challenging for me."
"I found the math and modeling exercises required more background than I expected."
"Struggled a bit with the quantitative aspects, although the conceptual stuff was clear."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change with these
activities:
Review Simple Maths
Show steps
Refresh your basic maths skills to set a strong foundation for understanding the complex principles in this course.
Browse courses on
Algebra
Show steps
-
Utilize online resources to brush up on algebra concepts such as solving equations, inequalities, and graphing.
-
Practice unit conversion calculations involving temperature, energy, and light to enhance your understanding of measurements.
Read "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" by Elizabeth Kolbert
Show steps
Gain insights into the history of mass extinctions and their implications for understanding climate change.
View
The Sixth Extinction (Tenth Anniversary Edition)
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Explore the scientific evidence and theories surrounding past extinction events.
-
Analyze the potential parallels between historical extinctions and the current climate crisis.
Solve Climate Model Exercises
Show steps
Strengthen your comprehension of climate models by actively solving exercises.
Browse courses on
Climate Modeling
Show steps
-
Work through the analytical model to determine a planet's equilibrium temperature.
-
Create a numerical model to simulate temperature evolution over time.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore Greenhouse Gases and the Atmosphere
Show steps
Expand your understanding of the role of greenhouse gases and atmospheric dynamics in influencing climate.
Browse courses on
Greenhouse Effect
Show steps
-
Investigate the varied absorption and emission properties of different greenhouse gases.
-
Analyze the mechanisms responsible for maintaining a colder upper atmosphere and its impact on the greenhouse effect.
Attend Climate Change Conferences or Webinars
Show steps
Connect with experts and stay informed about the latest developments in climate science and mitigation strategies.
Show steps
-
Identify relevant conferences or webinars focused on climate change.
-
Attend sessions, engage in discussions, and network with attendees.
Design a Simple Ice Sheet Model
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of climate processes to create a model simulating ice sheet behavior.
Show steps
-
Research the physics of ice sheet formation, movement, and melting.
-
Develop a computational model to simulate the evolution of an ice sheet over time.
Create a Climate Mitigation Plan for Your Community
Show steps
Apply the principles of climate science to develop a localized plan for mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Browse courses on
Climate Change Mitigation
Show steps
-
Research local climate data and identify key vulnerabilities.
-
Explore renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures.
-
Engage with stakeholders to gather input and build support.
Review Simple Maths
Show steps
Refresh your basic maths skills to set a strong foundation for understanding the complex principles in this course.
Browse courses on
Algebra
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Utilize online resources to brush up on algebra concepts such as solving equations, inequalities, and graphing.
- Practice unit conversion calculations involving temperature, energy, and light to enhance your understanding of measurements.
Read "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" by Elizabeth Kolbert
Show steps
Gain insights into the history of mass extinctions and their implications for understanding climate change.
View
The Sixth Extinction (Tenth Anniversary Edition)
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Explore the scientific evidence and theories surrounding past extinction events.
- Analyze the potential parallels between historical extinctions and the current climate crisis.
Solve Climate Model Exercises
Show steps
Strengthen your comprehension of climate models by actively solving exercises.
Browse courses on
Climate Modeling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Work through the analytical model to determine a planet's equilibrium temperature.
- Create a numerical model to simulate temperature evolution over time.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore Greenhouse Gases and the Atmosphere
Show steps
Expand your understanding of the role of greenhouse gases and atmospheric dynamics in influencing climate.
Browse courses on
Greenhouse Effect
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Investigate the varied absorption and emission properties of different greenhouse gases.
- Analyze the mechanisms responsible for maintaining a colder upper atmosphere and its impact on the greenhouse effect.
Attend Climate Change Conferences or Webinars
Show steps
Connect with experts and stay informed about the latest developments in climate science and mitigation strategies.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant conferences or webinars focused on climate change.
- Attend sessions, engage in discussions, and network with attendees.
Design a Simple Ice Sheet Model
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of climate processes to create a model simulating ice sheet behavior.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the physics of ice sheet formation, movement, and melting.
- Develop a computational model to simulate the evolution of an ice sheet over time.
Create a Climate Mitigation Plan for Your Community
Show steps
Apply the principles of climate science to develop a localized plan for mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Browse courses on
Climate Change Mitigation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research local climate data and identify key vulnerabilities.
- Explore renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures.
- Engage with stakeholders to gather input and build support.
Career center
Learners who complete Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Energy Consultant
Energy Consultant
An Energy Consultant advises clients on how to reduce their energy consumption and costs. They may also help clients to develop renewable energy projects or to comply with environmental regulations. This course can help you to understand the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate. This knowledge can be useful for Energy Consultants who need to understand the potential impacts of climate change on their clients’ businesses.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems. They may work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and government. This course can help you to understand the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate. This knowledge can be useful for Environmental Engineers who need to understand the potential impacts of climate change on their projects.
Geophysicist
Geophysicist
A Geophysicist studies the physical properties of the Earth. They may use their knowledge to explore for oil and gas, to study earthquakes, or to develop new technologies. This course can help you to understand the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate. This knowledge can be useful for Geophysicists who need to understand the potential impacts of climate change on their work.
Meteorologist
Meteorologist
A Meteorologist studies the weather and climate. They may use their knowledge to forecast the weather, to study climate change, or to develop new technologies. This course can help you to understand the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate. This knowledge can be useful for Meteorologists who need to understand the potential impacts of climate change on their work.
Oceanographer
Oceanographer
An Oceanographer studies the oceans. They may use their knowledge to explore for oil and gas, to study climate change, or to develop new technologies. This course can help you to understand the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate. This knowledge can be useful for Oceanographers who need to understand the potential impacts of climate change on their work.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst studies the effects of public policies. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or businesses. This course can help you to understand the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate. This knowledge can be useful for Policy Analysts who need to understand the potential impacts of climate change on their work.
Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineer
A Renewable Energy Engineer designs and implements renewable energy projects. They may work for wind farms, solar farms, or other renewable energy companies. This course can help you to understand the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate. This knowledge can be useful for Renewable Energy Engineers who need to understand the potential impacts of climate change on their work.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
A Sustainability Manager develops and implements sustainability programs for businesses and organizations. They may work on projects such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, or promoting recycling. This course can help you to understand the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate. This knowledge can be useful for Sustainability Managers who need to understand the potential impacts of climate change on their work.
Teacher
Teacher
A Teacher educates students in a variety of subjects. They may work in elementary schools, secondary schools, or colleges and universities. This course can help you to understand the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate. This knowledge can be useful for Teachers who need to teach their students about climate change.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner designs and plans cities and towns. They may work for government agencies or private companies. This course can help you to understand the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate. This knowledge can be useful for Urban Planners who need to understand the potential impacts of climate change on their work.
Writer
Writer
A Writer writes for a variety of purposes, including journalism, fiction, and non-fiction. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other publications. This course can help you to understand the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate. This knowledge can be useful for Writers who need to write about climate change.
Climate Scientist
Climate Scientist
A Climate Scientist studies the Earth’s climate and how it is changing. They may work for universities, research institutions, or government agencies. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Climate Scientist by providing you with a solid understanding of the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyer
An Environmental Lawyer represents clients in legal cases related to environmental issues. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as an Environmental Lawyer by providing you with a solid understanding of the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analyst
An Environmental Policy Analyst studies and develops environmental policies for government agencies or non-profit organizations. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as an Environmental Policy Analyst by providing you with a solid understanding of the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
A Sustainability Consultant advises businesses and organizations on how to improve their environmental performance. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Sustainability Consultant by providing you with a solid understanding of the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth’s climate.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/31k9y6/global
Reading list
We've selected 14 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the science of climate change, covering topics such as the greenhouse effect, global warming, and climate models. It is written in a clear and concise style, making it accessible to readers with a variety of backgrounds.
This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the physical science basis of climate change. It is written by a team of leading climate scientists and is considered to be the most authoritative source of information on climate change.
Provides a historical account of the discovery of global warming. It traces the development of scientific understanding of climate change from the early days of the Industrial Revolution to the present day.
Save
Explores the political and economic challenges of addressing climate change. It argues that the failure of democracy to respond effectively to climate change major threat to the future of the planet.
Provides a concise overview of the science of climate change. It covers topics such as the greenhouse effect, global warming, and climate models. It is written in a clear and concise style, making it accessible to readers with a variety of backgrounds.
Explores the history of mass extinctions on Earth. It argues that the current mass extinction is the result of human activity and that it poses a serious threat to the future of life on Earth.
Explores the history of societies that have collapsed. It argues that there are common factors that contribute to the collapse of societies, such as environmental degradation, climate change, and political instability.
Explores the impact of human activity on the natural world. It argues that the natural world is being destroyed by human activity and that this destruction poses a serious threat to the future of life on Earth.
Explores the impact of pesticides on the environment. It argues that pesticides are harmful to wildlife and that they pose a serious threat to the future of life on Earth.
Save
Explores the future of life on Earth. It argues that the future of life is uncertain and that it is up to humans to decide what kind of future they want for life on Earth.
Save
Explores what would happen to the Earth if humans were to suddenly disappear. It argues that the Earth would quickly recover from our absence and that life would continue to thrive.
Explores the potential impacts of climate change on the Earth. It argues that climate change serious threat to the future of life on Earth and that we need to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Explores the potential impacts of climate change on the Earth. It argues that climate change serious threat to the future of life on Earth and that we need to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Explores the impact of climate change on the Earth. It argues that climate change serious threat to the future of life on Earth and that we need to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/31k9y6/global
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Rating
4.6
Effort
34 hours to complete
Via
Coursera
Institution
The University of Chicago
Instructor
David Archer
Language
English
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