In part 2, we will dive down into the oceans that cover 70% of the planet to understand how the oceans impact our climate. We will visit the frozen parts of the Earth (the cryosphere), and the vegetated parts of our planet (the biosphere). How does the cryosphere impact sea level rise in the future? How does the biosphere impact carbon dioxide in the atmosphere? We will take a trip to a volcano to understand how large volcanic eruptions can also impact the Earth’s temperature. Could we produce an artificial volcano to offset global warming? After studying all the different important components of the climate system, we will learn how computer models put all this information together to estimate what may happen to our global and regional climates in 2050 or 2100. What are the various scenarios for the future? How accurate are these forecasts? And towards the end of the course, we will talk about what can be done to deal with the climate crisis. It is not all bad news. There are some very exciting solutions out there.
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Learning objectives
- The oceans : oceans cover 70% of the area of the earth, and hence have a huge impact on the climate of the earth. the ocean currents, temperatures, and absorption of carbon dioxide are all key features that influence the global climate.
- The cryosphere : some parts of the planets are always frozen below 0c. these include glaciers, sea ice, land ice and permafrost regions (frozen ground). the cryosphere is responding dramatically to rising temperatures, with impacts on sea level rise, ocean currents and global temperatures.
- The biosphere : vegetation around the planet also has an important role in modulating the earth’s climate. both on land and in the oceans plants absorb co2 via photosynthesis, while also impacting land temperatures, albedo and moisture balance.
- Volcanoes : while volcanoes may not seem relevant to the discussion about climate change, we know that large volcanic eruptions in the past have resulted in a significant cooling of global temperatures. hence, we need to understand the science behind this global cooling.
- Climate forecasts : after understanding the different key aspects of the climate system, we can now discuss global climate models and how they are used to simulate the climate system (past, present, and future). what are the scenarios for 2100?
- Solutions : finally, after understanding the problem we face, we can also address the possible solutions. what is the road map to get to net-zero emissions by 2050? can we do it? what are the alternatives?
- The oceans : oceans cover 70% of the area of the earth, and hence have a huge impact on the climate of the earth. the ocean currents, temperatures, and absorption of carbon dioxide are all key features that influence the global climate.
- The cryosphere : some parts of the planets are always frozen below 0c. these include glaciers, sea ice, land ice and permafrost regions (frozen ground). the cryosphere is responding dramatically to rising temperatures, with impacts on sea level rise, ocean currents and global temperatures.
- The biosphere : vegetation around the planet also has an important role in modulating the earth’s climate. both on land and in the oceans plants absorb co2 via photosynthesis, while also impacting land temperatures, albedo and moisture balance.
- Volcanoes : while volcanoes may not seem relevant to the discussion about climate change, we know that large volcanic eruptions in the past have resulted in a significant cooling of global temperatures. hence, we need to understand the science behind this global cooling.
- Climate forecasts : after understanding the different key aspects of the climate system, we can now discuss global climate models and how they are used to simulate the climate system (past, present, and future). what are the scenarios for 2100?
- Solutions : finally, after understanding the problem we face, we can also address the possible solutions. what is the road map to get to net-zero emissions by 2050? can we do it? what are the alternatives?
Syllabus
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Activities
Connect with Climate Experts
Show steps
Expand your network by reaching out to experts in the field of climate change to gain valuable insights and guidance.
Show steps
-
Identify potential mentors who align with your interests
-
Reach out and introduce yourself
-
Request guidance and support on specific topics
-
Attend meetings or workshops led by the mentors
Climate Change Debate
Show steps
Engage with peers in a thought-provoking debate on a specific aspect of climate change, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.
Show steps
-
Choose a specific topic for the debate
-
Research and develop arguments for both sides of the debate
-
Present your arguments in a clear and persuasive manner
-
Listen to and engage with the arguments of others
-
Summarize the key points and draw conclusions from the debate
Design a Poster on Climate Impacts
Show steps
Showcase your understanding by creating a visually appealing poster that highlights the impacts of climate change on a specific region or ecosystem.
Show steps
-
Choose a specific region or ecosystem to focus on
-
Research the climate impacts affecting the chosen area
-
Design a poster that effectively communicates the key impacts and their consequences
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Read "The Sixth Extinction" by Elizabeth Kolbert
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the impacts of climate change on biodiversity by delving into this Pulitzer Prize-winning book.
View
The Sixth Extinction (Tenth Anniversary Edition)
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Summarize the key arguments and evidence presented in the book
-
Identify the implications of the book's findings for our understanding of climate change
Connect with Climate Experts
Show steps
Expand your network by reaching out to experts in the field of climate change to gain valuable insights and guidance.
Show steps
- Identify potential mentors who align with your interests
- Reach out and introduce yourself
- Request guidance and support on specific topics
- Attend meetings or workshops led by the mentors
Climate Change Debate
Show steps
Engage with peers in a thought-provoking debate on a specific aspect of climate change, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.
Show steps
- Choose a specific topic for the debate
- Research and develop arguments for both sides of the debate
- Present your arguments in a clear and persuasive manner
- Listen to and engage with the arguments of others
- Summarize the key points and draw conclusions from the debate
Design a Poster on Climate Impacts
Show steps
Showcase your understanding by creating a visually appealing poster that highlights the impacts of climate change on a specific region or ecosystem.
Show steps
- Choose a specific region or ecosystem to focus on
- Research the climate impacts affecting the chosen area
- Design a poster that effectively communicates the key impacts and their consequences
Read "The Sixth Extinction" by Elizabeth Kolbert
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the impacts of climate change on biodiversity by delving into this Pulitzer Prize-winning book.
View
The Sixth Extinction (Tenth Anniversary Edition)
on Amazon
Show steps
- Summarize the key arguments and evidence presented in the book
- Identify the implications of the book's findings for our understanding of climate change
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