Science and Engineering of Climate Change from Coursera

Global warming is one of the most significant challenges of the century and tackling it in the most effective way requires a good understanding of its physical, social and financial aspects. The Science and Engineering of Climate Change course offers an introduction to the science of climate change and to the existing technologies to mitigate its effects.

Are we sure that the climate is changing? How confident are we that climate change is anthropogenic? Are we heading for a climate catastrophe? Why are greenhouse gases associated with global warming? What options do we have to cope with these facts? Which of the many proposals are realistic, and which are just wishful thinking? By the end of this course, you will have the necessary conceptual tools to provide your own answers to these questions.

This MOOC is divided into four modules. With the first two you will understand how scientists measure climate and its evolution, how climate models work and how greenhouse gases within the atmosphere play a central role in determining the climate. The last two modules introduce the main technologies that can be used to reduce carbon emissions and carbon concentration in the atmosphere, and, in the light of the facts explained in the first part of the course, explain how these technologies can be best combined.

The MOOC is for those who want to understand not only the basics of climate-change science, but also what we can really and effectively do to curb the present trend in the planet’s temperatures. No previous knowledge is required.

What's inside

Syllabus

Current Climate Change in Context

Modelling Climate Change

Technologies to Control CO2 Concentration

Non-Fossil Energy Sources

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Investigates climate change science's fundamentals and adaptable solutions

Suitable for beginners seeking a foundation in climate-change science

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 Science and Engineering of Climate Change with these activities:

Monitor your own carbon footprint

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Become more aware of your own impact on the environment by tracking your carbon footprint and exploring ways to reduce it.

Browse courses on Carbon Footprint

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Use online calculators or mobile apps to estimate your carbon footprint based on your energy consumption, transportation habits, and dietary choices.
Identify areas where you can reduce your carbon emissions, such as switching to renewable energy sources, using public transportation, or consuming less meat.

Review the fundamentals of greenhouse gas physics

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Brush up on the basic concepts of greenhouse gas physics to strengthen your understanding of climate models and their role in predicting future climate trends.

Browse courses on Climate Science

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Read through online resources or textbooks covering greenhouse gas physics. Explore the physics of greenhouse gas absorption and emission, radiative forcing, and the greenhouse effect.
Review the history and development of climate models, including their strengths and limitations. Understand how climate models simulate the Earth's climate system and project future climate scenarios.

Participate in online discussions on climate change

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Engage with fellow learners to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and challenge your understanding of climate change science and mitigation strategies.

Browse courses on Climate Change

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Join online forums or discussion groups dedicated to climate change. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions, sharing insights, and engaging with others' perspectives.
Prepare for discussions by reading relevant articles or reports, researching different viewpoints, and formulating your own ideas.

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Explore interactive climate models

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Gain hands-on experience working with climate models to develop a deeper understanding of their functionality and limitations.

Browse courses on Climate Models

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Identify reputable online platforms or software that provide interactive climate models, such as the NOAA Climate Explorer or the Berkeley Earth Climate Model.
Follow tutorials or documentation provided by the platform to learn how to set up, run, and interpret the models. Experiment with different scenarios and parameters to observe the impact on climate projections.

Read 'The Sixth Extinction' by Elizabeth Kolbert

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Expand your understanding of the history of extinctions and the potential consequences of climate change on biodiversity.

View The Sixth Extinction (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, paying attention to the scientific evidence and arguments presented.
Consider the implications of the book's findings for understanding the current climate crisis and its potential impacts on ecosystems and species.

Contribute to open-source climate data projects

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Gain practical experience working with real-world climate data and contribute to the collective knowledge on climate change.

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Identify open-source climate data repositories or projects, such as the Global Carbon Project or the Earth System Grid Federation.
Explore the data available and identify opportunities to contribute, such as data cleaning, analysis, or visualization. Follow the project's guidelines and standards.

Build a simple climate model

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Challenge yourself by creating a simplified climate model to simulate the Earth's climate system and explore the effects of different factors on climate change.

Browse courses on Climate Modeling

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Study the fundamental equations governing climate, such as the energy balance equation and the radiative transfer equation. Understand the key processes and interactions that drive climate dynamics.
Design a simplified model that represents the essential components of the climate system, including the atmosphere, oceans, and land surface. Choose appropriate mathematical equations and assumptions to describe these components.
Implement the model using a programming language or spreadsheet software. Test and validate the model by comparing its output to observed climate data.

Develop a mitigation plan for climate change

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Apply your knowledge of climate change science and technologies to develop a comprehensive mitigation plan that addresses the causes and impacts of climate change.

Browse courses on Climate Change Mitigation

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Research and analyze the latest scientific consensus on climate change, its causes, and potential impacts on various sectors and regions.
Identify and evaluate a range of mitigation strategies, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and implementing adaptation measures. Consider their effectiveness, cost, and feasibility.
Develop a comprehensive mitigation plan that outlines specific actions, timelines, and responsibilities for implementing the strategies. Ensure it is aligned with national or international climate goals.

Career center

Learners who complete Science and Engineering of Climate Change will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Engineer

As an Environmental Engineer, you will be tasked with solving some of the most pressing issues facing our planet, including climate change. To be successful in this role, you will need a strong understanding of the science of climate change and the technologies that can be used to mitigate its effects. The Science and Engineering of Climate Change course can help you build a foundation in these areas and provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Climate Scientist

Climate Scientists are responsible for studying climate change and its impacts on the planet. To be successful in this role, you will need a strong understanding of the science of climate change, as well as the ability to communicate your findings to a variety of audiences. The Science and Engineering of Climate Change course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this important field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Scientist

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for organizations. To be successful in this role, you will need a strong understanding of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of climate change. The Science and Engineering of Climate Change course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this growing field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts are responsible for developing and analyzing environmental policies. To be successful in this role, you will need a strong understanding of the science of climate change, as well as the ability to communicate your findings to policymakers. The Science and Engineering of Climate Change course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this important field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst

Energy Analyst

Energy Analysts are responsible for analyzing energy trends and developing energy policies. To be successful in this role, you will need a strong understanding of the science of climate change and the technologies that can be used to mitigate its effects. The Science and Engineering of Climate Change course can help you build a foundation in these areas and provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Analyst

Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineers are responsible for designing and developing renewable energy systems. To be successful in this role, you will need a strong understanding of the science of climate change and the technologies that can be used to mitigate its effects. The Science and Engineering of Climate Change course can help you build a foundation in these areas and provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Engineer

Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers work on legal issues related to the environment, including climate change. To be successful in this role, you will need a strong understanding of the science of climate change and the laws that regulate it. The Science and Engineering of Climate Change course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer

Journalist

Journalists who specialize in environmental reporting cover issues related to climate change. To be successful in this role, you will need a strong understanding of the science of climate change and the ability to communicate your findings to a variety of audiences. The Science and Engineering of Climate Change course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this important field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Teacher

Teachers who specialize in environmental science can help to educate students about climate change and its impacts. To be successful in this role, you will need a strong understanding of the science of climate change and the ability to communicate your findings to a variety of audiences. The Science and Engineering of Climate Change course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this important field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants work with businesses and organizations to help them reduce their environmental impact. To be successful in this role, you will need a strong understanding of the science of climate change and the ability to communicate your findings to a variety of audiences. The Science and Engineering of Climate Change course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this growing field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies for government agencies. To be successful in this role, you will need a strong understanding of the science of climate change and the ability to communicate your findings to a variety of audiences. The Science and Engineering of Climate Change course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Nonprofit Program Manager

Nonprofit Program Managers oversee programs that address environmental issues, including climate change. To be successful in this role, you will need a strong understanding of the science of climate change and the ability to communicate your findings to a variety of audiences. The Science and Engineering of Climate Change course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Manager

Climate Activist

Climate Activists work to raise awareness about climate change and advocate for solutions. To be successful in this role, you will need a strong understanding of the science of climate change and the ability to communicate your findings to a variety of audiences. The Science and Engineering of Climate Change course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Activist

Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators teach people about environmental issues, including climate change. To be successful in this role, you will need a strong understanding of the science of climate change and the ability to communicate your findings to a variety of audiences. The Science and Engineering of Climate Change course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this important field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study environmental issues, including climate change. To be successful in this role, you will need a strong understanding of the science of climate change and the ability to communicate your findings to a variety of audiences. The Science and Engineering of Climate Change course can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this important field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist