Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change from Coursera

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.

First Climate Model

The balance of energy flow, as incoming sunlight and outgoing infrared, allow us to create our first simple climate model, including a simple greenhouse effect. There are two extended exercises in Part II of this class, one an analytical (algebraic) model of the equilibrium temperature of a planet, the other a numerical model of how that temperature might evolve through time.

Greenhouse Gases and the Atmosphere

The Layer Model above assumes that the pane of glass representing the atmosphere absorbs all of the infrared radiation that hits it and that it radiates at all infrared wavelengths. In other words, the layer model atmosphere is an infrared blackbody, but transparent in the visible. In reality, greenhouse gases are not "black" at all; they are very choosy about which frequencies of light they absorb and emit. This selective absorption of infrared light by greenhouse gases leads to the band saturation effect, which makes rare, trace gases like methane disproportionally powerful relative to higher-concentration gases like CO₂.

The Structure of the Atmosphere

The greenhouse effect works because the air in the upper atmosphere is colder than the ground, so that absorption and re-emission of IR by greenhouse gases decreases the amount of energy leaving the planet to space. Here we explore the physics responsible for keeping the upper atmosphere cold.

Weather and Climate

Another property of the real world, missing in our model so far, is that the real world is not everywhere the same temperature, and the heat fluxes to and from space do not necessarily balance at any given time or location. This is because the winds in the atmosphere and the currents in the ocean carry heat around, in general from the hot tropics up to the cold high latitudes.

Feedbacks

Feedbacks are loops of cause-and-effect that can either stabilize Earth's climate or amplify future climate changes. There is an exercise in Part II of this class where you solve for a planet's temperature by iteration, and in the process demonstrate a runaway ice albedo feedback that might have led to the Snowball Earth climate state 700 million years ago.

The Carbon Cycle

Now we shift gears in a major way — away from climate physics (you now have seen its main ingredients) to the emergent miracle that is the carbon cycle on Earth. Not only is carbon the chemical element of life, it is also the means of storing life's energy. We will look at how carbon cycles through the land, the oceans, and the deep earth, going in and out of the atmosphere -- and how that stabilizes the earth's climate.

The Perturbed Carbon Cycle

On the carbon locked up in fossil fuels and what happens when we burn those fuels. In Part II of this class, you can create a simple but somewhat realistic model of Earth's temperature evolution in the coming decades, in response to the release of CO2 (or in the sudden stop of emissions in a scenario called "The world without us").

Looking for a Human Impact on Climate

You have now seen the ideas behind the forecast for a human impact on Earth's climate. The next question is: Do we see it happening today? It turns out that the "smoking gun" for a human impact on climate is the global average temperature record since about the 1970's. In order to interpret that temperature change, we need to consider it within the context of natural climate changes in Earth's geologic past.

Potential Impacts

This unit we focus on the potential impacts of continued business-as-usual CO2 emissions. This is also the topic of the Working Group 2 volume of the IPCC reports (the Working Group 1 report is on the scientific basis, which is what we've been studying so far this course). You may find this material distressing, but hang on, because next week we'll go over "Mitigation", which is what it takes to avoid climate change (treated in the Working Group 3 report). Remember that most of the carbon we're worried about is still in the ground, so these impacts are inevitable only if we continue to decide to make them so. In Part II of this class, you can create a simple ice sheet model of your own.

Mitigation

The last unit of the class finds us considering the options for avoiding, or "mitigating," a human impact on Earth's climate. Bottom line: I think it would be a challenge that humankind could beat if we decided to. If there hypothetically were no more coal on Earth, our potential to alter the climate would be much less. Finding energy sources in that world would not be an existential threat would just be a business opportunity. The hard part, in my opinion, is making that decision.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

Climate change science and modeling

Learners say this course on climate change is informative and helpful. They found the quizzes and assignments engaging and the instructor knowledgeable and clear. The course has helped them gain a better understanding of the science of global warming and its impacts. Overall, the students are positive about the course and would recommend it to others.

Knowledgeable and clear.

"I requires quite a bit of work but the lecturer explains things extremely well."

Engaging quizzes and assignments.

"I found the quizzes so helpful too and the tests at the end of the session."

Informative and helpful.

"This course is so helpful and well prepared to aid easy laerning."

"This is a great course for the non-scientist to understand the scientific mechanism and models behind climate change."

"It has a great content and the teacher gives good explanations."

Gained a better understanding of climate change.

"I've learned a lot and enhance not only my own performance, also, my students as well."

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

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Refresh your basic maths skills to set a strong foundation for understanding the complex principles in this course.

Browse courses on Algebra

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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

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Gain insights into the history of mass extinctions and their implications for understanding climate change.

View The Sixth Extinction (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on Amazon

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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

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Strengthen your comprehension of climate models by actively solving exercises.

Browse courses on Climate Modeling

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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

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Explore Greenhouse Gases and the Atmosphere

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Expand your understanding of the role of greenhouse gases and atmospheric dynamics in influencing climate.

Browse courses on Greenhouse Effect

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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

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Connect with experts and stay informed about the latest developments in climate science and mitigation strategies.

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Identify relevant conferences or webinars focused on climate change.
Attend sessions, engage in discussions, and network with attendees.

Design a Simple Ice Sheet Model

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Apply your knowledge of climate processes to create a model simulating ice sheet behavior.

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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

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Apply the principles of climate science to develop a localized plan for mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Browse courses on Climate Change Mitigation

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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:

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Meteorologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geophysicist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Consultant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

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.

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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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst