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Pierre-Antoine Ullmo and Dr Yishay Mor

First-hand knowledge, from leading climate experts

Climate change is possibly the greatest challenge of our time, "the fight of our lives" in the words of the UN Secretary General at the COP26. We accept the scientific consensus that climate change is real, and that it is related to human actions. Beyond that - the picture becomes blurry. How bad is it? How fast is it happening? What are the probable consequences, and what can we do to mitigate them?

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First-hand knowledge, from leading climate experts

Climate change is possibly the greatest challenge of our time, "the fight of our lives" in the words of the UN Secretary General at the COP26. We accept the scientific consensus that climate change is real, and that it is related to human actions. Beyond that - the picture becomes blurry. How bad is it? How fast is it happening? What are the probable consequences, and what can we do to mitigate them?

To take action, we need a clear perspective. We must listen to scientists to develop a more accurate understanding of the key issues, take a stand and make informed decisions.

Lecturers

Our short introduction to climate change includes original talks with the following experts:

  • Dr Friederike Otto Physicist and Climate Scientist, Imperial College London

  • Prof Martin Siegert Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Exeter

  • Prof Yadvinder Malhi Professor of Ecosystem Science, University of Oxford

  • Prof Timothy Lenton Professor of Climate Change and Earth System Science University of Exeter

  • Dr Gbemi Oluleye Research Fellow in Environmental Policy, Imperial College London

  • Dr Matthew Agarwala Environmental Economist, University of Cambridge

  • Dr Tamsin Edwards Climate Scientist, King's College London

Course coordinator: Dr Yishay Mor

Dr Yishay Mor is EXPeditions' Chief Learning Officer. He designed this online course based on contributions to EXPeditions by leading climate change thinkers, researchers and scientists. He introduces each of the lectures, sets the learning objectives and identifies the main takeaways.

What you'll learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define key concepts related to climate change

  • Relate the phenomena of climate change to human carbon emissions

  • Identify the major risks associated with human-induced climate change

  • Recognise the actions we need to take

The course includes

  • 5 sections

  • 9 lectures

Course duration

1 hour, 45 minutes

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
Welcome to Climate change: a short introduction
The crisis is now
Extreme Weather Events
Read more
Polar Ice Sheets
The Biosphere
How did we get here?
Tipping Points
The Anthropocene
What should we do?
A Net Zero Future
Decarbonising the Industry
Investing in Nature
Conclusions
Choosing our Future

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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 Climate Change & Sustainability Essentials -2024 Edition with these activities:
Review Basic Climate Science Concepts
Strengthen your foundation in climate science before starting the course.
Browse courses on Greenhouse Effect
Show steps
  • Review introductory materials on climate science.
  • Complete practice quizzes on key concepts.
  • Identify areas where you need further review.
Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
Gain a practical understanding of carbon emissions by calculating your own carbon footprint.
Show steps
  • Research online carbon footprint calculators.
  • Gather data on your consumption habits.
  • Use a calculator to estimate your footprint.
  • Identify ways to reduce your impact.
Read 'Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming'
Explore potential solutions to climate change and understand their relative impact.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Drawdown'.
  • Review the book's list of climate solutions.
  • Consider how these solutions can be implemented.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Presentation on Extreme Weather Events
Solidify your understanding of extreme weather events and their connection to climate change by creating a presentation.
Show steps
  • Research recent extreme weather events.
  • Analyze the link between these events and climate change.
  • Prepare a presentation summarizing your findings.
  • Present your findings to peers or colleagues.
Volunteer for a Local Environmental Organization
Gain hands-on experience and contribute to climate action by volunteering.
Show steps
  • Research local environmental organizations.
  • Contact an organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in volunteer activities.
Read 'The Uninhabitable Earth'
Gain a deeper understanding of the potential consequences of climate change.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Uninhabitable Earth'.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key arguments.
  • Reflect on how the book's content relates to the course material.
Design a Sustainable Business Plan
Apply your knowledge of climate change and sustainability to create a business plan for a sustainable venture.
Show steps
  • Identify a business opportunity related to sustainability.
  • Develop a business plan outlining your venture.
  • Incorporate sustainable practices into your plan.
  • Present your business plan to potential investors.

Career center

Learners who complete Climate Change & Sustainability Essentials -2024 Edition will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sustainability Consultant
As a Sustainability Consultant, you guide organizations in adopting environmentally responsible practices. This course helps you understand the core principles of climate science, enabling you to assess a company's carbon footprint and recommend effective strategies for reducing emissions. You will gain insights into the latest climate research and potential tipping points, allowing you to develop informed and impactful sustainability plans. Developing a net zero strategy requires deep analysis of the current industrial landscape, along with a careful understanding of the various climate risks. This course may further inform those strategies.
Climate Resilience Officer
As a Climate Resilience Officer, you help organizations and communities prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This course provides a solid foundation in understanding the science behind climate change. It discusses the relationship between human activities and rising global temperatures. You will learn to identify major climate risks and evaluate potential mitigation strategies. The Climate Resilience Officer should seriously consider taking this course.
Environmental Analyst
An Environmental Analyst assesses environmental problems and develops solutions to protect the environment. This course provides a solid foundation in understanding the science behind climate change, including the relationship between human activities and rising global temperatures. You will learn to identify major climate risks and evaluate potential mitigation strategies. Understanding the role of sustainable development and investing in nature are key aspects of this field and are covered in this course. It will assist an Environmental Analyst in making informed decisions.
Environmental Educator
An Environmental Educator teaches others about environmental issues, promoting awareness and responsible behavior. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to climate change science, allowing you to effectively communicate the key concepts and risks to your audience. You will learn about extreme weather events, polar ice sheets, and the biosphere. These topics can enhance your educational programs. The Environmental Educator may find the course useful when thinking about their next lesson.
Conservation Scientist
As a Conservation Scientist, you work to protect and restore natural resources and ecosystems. This course helps you understand the major risks associated with human-induced climate change, enabling you to develop effective conservation strategies. You will learn about extreme weather events, polar ice sheets, and the biosphere, which are relevant to understanding and managing ecosystems. This course assists the Conservation Scientist in developing strategies.
Climate Change Adaptation Planner
A Climate Change Adaptation Planner develops strategies to help communities and organizations prepare for the impacts of climate change. This course offers insights into the probable consequences of climate change, allowing you to develop adaptation plans that address specific vulnerabilities. You will learn about extreme weather events, polar ice sheets, and the biosphere, which helps you to better assess the risks in a changing climate. These topics are covered in the course and help give you a better foundation. With it, you may learn to consider how to best adapt and respond in a way that prioritizes climate risks.
ESG Analyst
An Environmental, Social, and Governance Analyst evaluates companies based on their environmental, social, and governance practices. This course helps you understand the environmental aspects of ESG, including climate-related risks and opportunities. You will learn about decarbonizing industry and investing in nature, which informs your assessment of a company's sustainability performance. The job of the ESG Analyst is made easier with this course.
Carbon Offset Analyst
A Carbon Offset Analyst evaluates and verifies carbon offset projects, ensuring they meet international standards. This course helps you understand the relationship between human carbon emissions and climate change. You will also learn about investing in nature as a strategy for carbon sequestration. This knowledge makes you better equipped to assess the effectiveness and credibility of carbon offset projects. Being able to define key concepts related to climate change will assist the Carbon Offset Analyst.
Environmental Policy Advisor
As an Environmental Policy Advisor, you inform policymakers about environmental issues and recommend policies to address them. This course may help you to understand the scientific consensus on climate change and the actions needed to mitigate its effects. You will gain insights into how human activities contribute to climate change and the importance of decarbonizing industry. You will also have an easier time relating the phenomena of climate change to human carbon emissions. The information presented in the course may inform policy recommendations.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
A Corporate Social Responsibility Manager develops and implements a company's CSR strategy, focusing on sustainability and ethical practices. This course helps you understand the major risks associated with human-induced climate change, enabling you to create CSR initiatives that address environmental impacts. You can identify actions to take. The course can then help guide the integration sustainability into core business operations. With it, the Corporate Social Responsibility Manager may be better positioned to suggest company policies based on risk.
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner designs and develops sustainable communities and cities. This course may help you understand the impact of urban development on climate change and the importance of creating sustainable infrastructure. You will learn about decarbonizing industry and investing in nature, which can inform your urban planning strategies. Specifically, you will be better prepared to advocate for green spaces. As such, the knowledge gained in the course helps the Urban Planner.
Renewable Energy Project Manager
A Renewable Energy Project Manager oversees the development and implementation of renewable energy projects, such as solar, wind, and hydro power. This course may help you understand the urgency of transitioning to a net zero future. Understanding and relating climate change to human carbon emissions equips a Project Manager to advocate for renewable energy projects to stakeholders. You can then help decarbonize industry through the insights gained. The course content also helps those who wish to manage renewable energy projects.
Sustainable Agriculture Specialist
A Sustainable Agriculture Specialist promotes farming practices that minimize environmental impact and enhance long-term productivity. This course may help you to understand the impact of agriculture on climate change and the importance of investing in nature. You will also learn about decarbonizing industry, informing your strategies for promoting sustainable farming practices. The Sustainable Agriculture Specialist can use what they learn to improve their understanding of how to promote sustainable farming practices.
Energy Efficiency Consultant
As an Energy Efficiency Consultant, you assess energy usage in buildings and industries and recommend ways to reduce consumption. This course helps you recognize the actions we need to take to address climate change, informing your recommendations for improving energy efficiency. You will learn about decarbonizing industry and investing in nature, which can enhance your strategies for reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainability. With the course, the Energy Efficiency Consultant is in a better position to make energy recommendations.
Geospatial Analyst
A Geospatial Analyst uses geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze spatial data and create maps. Often, this requires an advanced degree. This course helps you understand key concepts related to climate change and relate the phenomena of climate change to human carbon emissions. Understanding the biosphere facilitates the presentation of data. The Geospatial Analyst may find that this course helps them when making maps.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Climate Change & Sustainability Essentials -2024 Edition.
Provides a stark and comprehensive overview of the potential consequences of climate change, going beyond scientific data to explore the social, political, and economic impacts. It serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency of the climate crisis and complements the course's focus on understanding the risks associated with human-induced climate change. While not a light read, it offers a crucial perspective for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the stakes involved.
Offers a solutions-oriented approach to climate change, presenting a ranked list of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It provides a hopeful and actionable framework for addressing the climate crisis, complementing the course's focus on identifying necessary actions. It valuable resource for understanding the breadth of potential solutions and prioritizing efforts for maximum impact.

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