Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us from edX

This course begins by exploring the factors that set the Earth's temperature, considering the basic equation, Energy in = Energy out. We focus on the role of astronomical factors (sunspots and the eccentricity, obliquity, and precession of Earth in its orbit around the Sun), the reflectivity of Earth's surface, and the composition of the Earth's atmosphere in setting the Earth’s climate.

The temperature record, based on instrumental measurements, strongly indicates that the Earth has been warming over the last several decades, and dramatically so since 1975 when Wally Broecker, a former lecturer in Frontiers of Science, first coined the term "global warming." At the same time, the concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, most prominently carbon dioxide, has been rapidly increasing. To put these recent changes in context of past data, we learn about paleoclimate proxies (e.g. tree rings and ice cores) and how it is that scientists can learn about the temperature and atmospheric content going back thousands and even millions of years ago.

With this knowledge, we confront past data, climate models, and fictions that lack scientific basis. We consider various tools used in climate science that allow scientists to compare contemporary climate change with natural changes that have occurred in the past, as well as to generate future climate forecasts. By investigating carbon isotope content of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, we learn about the origin of the extra carbon and the role that humans have played in its release into the atmosphere. Finally, we explore the role of positive and negative feedback loops and why they make climate modeling particularly challenging. Feedback loops play an important role not only in climate, but in various biological processes, economics and more, and represent a critical scientific habit of mind taught in this course.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Leverage calculations, plots, probability, and models to make sense of both sparse and large datasets as well as complex natural systems.
Identify and draw positive and negative feedback loops and explore their importance.
Describe how scientists learn about what climate was like in the past.

Explain how scientists predict what climate will be like in the future.
Investigate what we know and what do we not know about the state of our warming planet and other consequences of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.
Describe technological, political, social and economic strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation.

Leverage calculations, plots, probability, and models to make sense of both sparse and large datasets as well as complex natural systems.
Identify and draw positive and negative feedback loops and explore their importance.
Describe how scientists learn about what climate was like in the past.
Explain how scientists predict what climate will be like in the future.
Investigate what we know and what do we not know about the state of our warming planet and other consequences of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.
Describe technological, political, social and economic strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation.

Syllabus

Section 1: Global Warming

Introduction

Climate vs. Weather

Energy from the Sun

Sun’s Energy Variations - Astronomical Forces

Other Sources of Energy

Section 2: Global Warming: The Earth’s Surface

The Atmosphere

Greenhouse Gasses

Carbon Isotopes

Sources of Carbon Dioxide

Section 3: The Global Temperature

The Rising Average

Energy Balance

Section 4: Past Climate

The Tree Ring Record

The Ice Core Record

400,000 Years of Carbon Dioxide

Section 5: Future Climate

Energy In Equals Energy Out

Feedback Loops & Climate Models

Foreshadowing

Debunking Myths

Section 6: Global Plans and Prospects

Energy Facts

The Paris Accord

The Present and The Future

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the factors affecting global temperature, using models and data, exploring astronomical forces, solar activity, and human impact on Earth's climate

Taught by renowned climate scientists David J. Helfand and Ivana N. Hughes, who are recognized for their expertise in climate research

Develops skills in data analysis, probability, and modeling, which are essential for understanding and interpreting climate change

Suitable for individuals interested in learning about climate change, its causes, and its potential impacts

Provides a comprehensive overview of climate science, covering both historical and future perspectives, as well as mitigation and adaptation strategies

Has a multi-modal format with videos, readings, and discussion forums, enhancing engagement and understanding

Reviews summary

Climate science overview

Learners say this is an excellent course with engaging content about climate change and its impact on Earth. The instructor is knowledgeable and explains complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand. The course materials are well-organized and thorough, and the course is well-paced so that students can learn at their own pace.

Well-paced

"I was able to learn a lot about climate change and global warming, along with the general Earth."

"I enthusiastically recommend this course to anyone wishing to have scientific knowledge about the Climate and its impact on life on earth."

"I would absolutely take more courses from Columbia university as well as prof. Helfand!"

Well-organized and thorough

"This course was excellent- very succinct and clear presentation of information."

"The course sections were designed to be delivered in a short sitting."

"This course is compact at the same time includes all essential knowledge."

In-depth and engaging content

"An incredibly insightful and engaging course."

"This course was very beneficial."

"This course was extremely informative and well paced."

Knowledgeable and engaging instructor

"Excellent instructor and content."

"The Professor is very engaging and inspiring."

"I've thoroughly enjoyed this course and even with a MSc in environmental geography i learned new things."

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 Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us with these activities:

Read 'The Sixth Extinction'

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Expand your understanding of climate change and its historical context by exploring Elizabeth Kolbert's Pulitzer Prize-winning work on the five previous mass extinctions.

View The Sixth Extinction (Tenth Anniversary Edition) on Amazon

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Support Climate Change Organizations

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Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the fight against climate change by volunteering with organizations dedicated to environmental protection. Participate in initiatives like tree planting, beach cleanups, or advocacy campaigns.

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Research climate change organizations in your area.
Identify volunteer opportunities that align with your interests.
Contact the organizations and offer your assistance.

Greenhouse Gas Footprint Tracker

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Keep track of your greenhouse gas emissions by monitoring and logging energy consumption, travel, and other activities to gain a practical understanding of your impact on the environment.

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Identify sources of greenhouse gas emissions in your daily life.
Research and select a tracking tool or app.
Diligently log your activities and energy consumption.
Analyze the data to identify patterns and areas for improvement.

Six other activities

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Show all nine activities

Climate Change News Curation

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Stay updated on the latest climate change news by following reliable sources and compiling your findings. Share your curated collection with others to raise awareness and facilitate informed discussions.

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Identify and follow reputable sources of climate change news.
Regularly collect and summarize relevant articles.
Organize the curated news into a coherent and accessible format.

Climate Data Analysis Practice

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Master the analysis of climate data through dedicated practice. Utilize online platforms or textbooks to enhance your skills in data interpretation and visualization.

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Find reliable sources of climate data.
Become familiar with data analysis tools and techniques.
Practice interpreting and visualizing climate data.

Climate Modeling Tutorial

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Delve deeper into the intricacies of climate modeling by following online tutorials. Enhance your understanding of data analysis, visualization techniques, and model interpretation to assess future climate scenarios.

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Identify and enroll in reputable climate modeling tutorials.
Diligently work through the tutorial materials.
Apply the acquired knowledge to analyze and interpret climate models.

Climate Change Debate

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Engage in a respectful and thought-provoking debate with peers to explore diverse perspectives on climate change, fostering critical thinking and developing persuasive communication skills.

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Research different aspects of climate change.
Formulate arguments and prepare evidence to support your position.
Actively listen and respond to opposing viewpoints.

Climate Change Awareness Campaign

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Design and execute a creative campaign to raise awareness about climate change in your community. Utilize various forms of media, such as social media, posters, or presentations, to deliver a compelling message.

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Brainstorm ideas for an effective campaign.
Develop a plan for implementing the campaign.
Create and distribute marketing materials.
Evaluate the impact of the campaign.

Climate Change Mitigation Proposal

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Develop a comprehensive proposal outlining innovative strategies to mitigate climate change. Research cutting-edge technologies, policy frameworks, and economic incentives to present a feasible and impactful plan.

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Conduct thorough research on climate change mitigation strategies.
Identify key stakeholders and their roles in implementation.
Formulate a detailed proposal outlining the plan, timeline, and potential impact.
Present the proposal to relevant organizations for consideration and support.

Career center

Learners who complete Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Paleoclimatologist

Paleoclimatologists study past climates in order to understand the climate of the present and the future. Paleoclimatologists will need to be able to understand climate change across different time periods. Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us not only teaches the history of climate change, but also how to interpret and understand the history of climate change through the study of tree rings and ice cores.

See salaries and explore the career path for Paleoclimatologist

Atmospheric Scientist

Atmospheric Scientists study the Earth's atmosphere and its interactions with the oceans, land, and biosphere. A deep understanding of the climate sciences, such as those learned in Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us at Columbia University, is necessary for Atmospheric Scientists aiming to model climatic trends.

See salaries and explore the career path for Atmospheric Scientist

Climatologist

Climatologists study climate, its long-term changes over periods of time that range from decades to millions of years, and the causes of these changes. Climatologists apply knowledge of climate and climate change to practical problems, such as assessing the impacts of climate change on human society and ecosystems.

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Meteorologist

Meteorologists study the atmosphere, including its physical characteristics and dynamic processes. A Meteorologist who wants to specialize in climate will need to understand the history of the Earth's climate, the causes of climate change, and how different factors are predicted to influence future climates. Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us teaches all three.

See salaries and explore the career path for Meteorologist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study and assess environmental issues, including climate change. Those studying climate change will need to understand the history of the Earth's climate, the causes of climate change, and how different factors are predicted to influence future climates. These topics are taught in Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Climate Modeler

Climate Modelers create models that predict climate, and those models are used to simulate past climates, forecast future climates, and help plan how to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The knowledge of past climates, how climates have changed over time, and why is essential to building effective models. All of these topics are taught in Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Modeler

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers develop solutions to environmental problems, including those caused by climate change. A strong understanding of climate change is important for Environmental Engineers, not just to fix the problems of today, but to help prevent the problems of tomorrow. Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us provides a solid foundation in the science of climate change.

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Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the movement and distribution of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. A Hydrologist who wants to study climate change will need to understand past, present, and future climates. Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us teaches all three.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement strategies to improve sustainability in a variety of sectors including energy, agriculture, forestry, and transportation. Sustainability Managers who work on climate change will need to understand the causes and likely effects of climate change, as well as solutions to the problem. Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us provides a good foundation for all three of these.

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Renewable Energy Engineer

Renewable Energy Engineers design and build systems that generate energy from renewable sources. Engineers working on renewable energy will need to understand the nature of renewable energy sources, including the impact of climate change on the ability to harness renewable energy. Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us can be part of that foundational knowledge.

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Science Advisor

Science Advisors use their scientific knowledge to advise policy makers on science-related issues. Science Advisors who work on climate change will need to have a deep understanding of climate change, including its causes, likely effects, and potential solutions. Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us can provide such an understanding.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide guidance to businesses and organizations on environmental issues, including the development and implementation of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Consultants will need to understand not just the science of climate change but also the impact of business decisions on human society and the environment. Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us covers both sides of this equation.

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Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the physical and chemical properties of oceans. Oceanography is a multidisciplinary field that draws scientists with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology, and physics. Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us draws on biology, chemistry, geology, and physics to understand climate change, making it a helpful course for any Oceanographer.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts provide research and analysis to inform public policy. Policy Analysts who focus on climate change will need to understand the causes and likely effects of climate change, as well as solutions to the problem. Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us provides a good foundation for all three of these.

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Geochemist

Geochemists study the chemical composition of the Earth and the processes that control it. This can include studying the geochemistry of the oceans, atmosphere, and climate. Frontiers of Science: Climate & Us, with its focus on climate change, can provide a helpful foundation for any Geochemist looking to study the geochemistry of climate change.

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