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Climate Science and Climate Change 2023

4.4 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 26 ratings
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Duncan Wilson and Emilie Pons

This is a course designed for all levels of experience from beginners to executives who are new to this subject and are maybe about to attend a committee on a related business topic.  You will learn about the definitions of climate change and global warming and the differences between extreme weather events and global warming.  You will also understand the types of data that are measured by the scientists.  The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published it's most recent report called Physical Science basis and it contained the latest scientific evidence.  You will learn about this scientific evidence.  After that we will move on to reviewing the types of industries and countries that are the main contributors to Greenhouse Gas emissions so we can better understand the actions required to reduce them.  Finally, we will cover some of the arguments put forward by the climate sceptics. You will be armed with the facts from the IPCC report, and also an understanding of where there is scientific uncertainties so this will enable you to put forward more reasoned arguments to your family, friends or to your colleagues when you hear people denying that climate change is caused by humans.  Finally, we will cover the political landscape going forward and equip you with knowledge of where we are heading on climate science.  This course is for everybody, not just budding scientists, and  it is both high level and comprehensive so that you can grasp the nuances of this important subject.  This course is part a a series of films and if you are interested in the other films please look at my profile and you will see the other climate films.  Including 1) Climate Risk Management, 2). Climate Scenario Analysis, and 3) Sustainable, Green and Climate Finance.

Read more

This is a course designed for all levels of experience from beginners to executives who are new to this subject and are maybe about to attend a committee on a related business topic.  You will learn about the definitions of climate change and global warming and the differences between extreme weather events and global warming.  You will also understand the types of data that are measured by the scientists.  The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published it's most recent report called Physical Science basis and it contained the latest scientific evidence.  You will learn about this scientific evidence.  After that we will move on to reviewing the types of industries and countries that are the main contributors to Greenhouse Gas emissions so we can better understand the actions required to reduce them.  Finally, we will cover some of the arguments put forward by the climate sceptics. You will be armed with the facts from the IPCC report, and also an understanding of where there is scientific uncertainties so this will enable you to put forward more reasoned arguments to your family, friends or to your colleagues when you hear people denying that climate change is caused by humans.  Finally, we will cover the political landscape going forward and equip you with knowledge of where we are heading on climate science.  This course is for everybody, not just budding scientists, and  it is both high level and comprehensive so that you can grasp the nuances of this important subject.  This course is part a a series of films and if you are interested in the other films please look at my profile and you will see the other climate films.  Including 1) Climate Risk Management, 2). Climate Scenario Analysis, and 3) Sustainable, Green and Climate Finance.

I hope you enjoy this training course and please feel free to send me any feedback for future iterations of this course.

Kind Regards

Duncan Wilson

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • They will learn about climate change and the main causes of it. this will done with the help of examples of climate change.
  • They will be able to explain global warming and why it is human induced and also understand the scientific uncertainties and how these affect opinions.
  • They will be able to refer to the scientific evidence known as the body of proof that human induced climate change is real.
  • Understand the climate sceptics and formulate counter-arguments to remain objective and science based.
  • They will be able to explain the political landscape going forward and be able to engage with their colleagues on a more objective footing on climate science.

Syllabus

Introduction
Slides and references and using Udemy
Learning objectives
What is climate change and global warming?
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides an overview of climate change, global warming, and greenhouse gas emissions, which is helpful for those new to the subject
Covers the political landscape of climate science, enabling learners to engage in informed discussions with colleagues
Explores the arguments of climate change skeptics, which allows learners to formulate science-based counter-arguments
Refers to the IPCC report, which is a key source of scientific evidence on climate change
Belongs to a series of films on climate-related topics, which may offer a more comprehensive learning experience

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Reviews summary

Climate science and change fundamentals

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation and clear understanding of climate science and global warming, making it accessible to all levels from beginners to professionals. Students appreciated the clear explanations, concise modules, and the fact that it is well-structured. Many found the information on IPCC reports and climate sceptics' arguments particularly useful for engaging in informed discussions. The course is seen as a great introduction and a highly recommended resource for anyone wanting to grasp the basics of this critical topic.
References and visual aids helpful.
"The use of slides and references was helpful for visualizing the data and concepts."
"Appreciated the slides used during the lectures; they were a good visual aid."
"Slides complemented the spoken content well and provided useful references."
"Good use of slides to support the main points being made."
Logical flow and organized modules.
"The course is very well structured, moving logically from definitions to evidence and future outlooks."
"Liked the way the content was broken down into manageable modules. Good flow."
"Structure made it easy to learn step by step. Each section built upon the last."
"Very organized presentation of the material, making it easy to track progress."
Accessible without prior scientific background.
"As someone with no science background, I found this course completely accessible and easy to follow. Perfect for beginners."
"Designed well for newcomers to the subject. Didn't feel lost at any point."
"It's a great introductory course for anyone new to climate change science."
"Highly recommended for people who are just starting to learn about this complex subject."
Covers IPCC, skeptics, and political aspects.
"Covering the IPCC report and addressing climate sceptics was particularly valuable. Very relevant topics."
"I found the sections on the body of scientific proof and the political landscape very informative and relevant to current discussions."
"The part about addressing arguments from skeptics is really helpful for real-world conversations."
"Relevant information covering the latest science and the human contribution to climate change."
Explanations are easy to follow and digest.
"The explanations were very clear and easy to understand, even for complex topics. The course is concise."
"I appreciated how clear and to-the-point the modules were. It made learning the material straightforward."
"Content is presented clearly and concisely. Not overly technical, which is great for non-scientists."
"Easy to understand, logical flow, and the material is presented in a very clear way."
Provides a good grasp of core concepts.
"This course is excellent for anyone looking to understand the basics of climate science and global warming. It provides a solid foundation."
"I feel I have a much better grasp of the fundamentals after taking this course. It's a great starting point."
"It provided a really solid basis for understanding the fundamental issues with climate change. Very happy with the content."
"This course gives you a good grounding in the core concepts and data behind climate change."
Some topics could benefit from more detail.
"While a great overview, some sections felt a bit too high-level. Could use more depth on specific scientific processes."
"It's comprehensive at a high level, but those looking for deep scientific dives might find it lacking."
"For some topics, I wished there were more detailed explanations or examples."
"Good introduction, but would need other resources for a more technical understanding."

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 Science and Climate Change 2023 with these activities:
Review the Greenhouse Effect
Reinforce your understanding of the greenhouse effect, a fundamental concept for understanding climate change.
Browse courses on Greenhouse Effect
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos explaining the greenhouse effect.
  • Summarize the key components and processes involved.
  • Explain how greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.
Read 'The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History'
Gain a deeper understanding of the broader ecological impacts of climate change.
View The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts and examples.
  • Reflect on the connection between climate change and biodiversity loss.
  • Discuss the book's arguments with others.
Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
Apply your knowledge by calculating your personal carbon footprint and identifying areas for reduction.
Show steps
  • Use an online carbon footprint calculator.
  • Gather data on your energy consumption, transportation, and diet.
  • Analyze your results and identify areas where you can reduce your impact.
  • Develop a plan to reduce your carbon footprint.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Create a Presentation on Climate Change Impacts
Solidify your understanding of climate change impacts by creating a presentation.
Show steps
  • Research specific climate change impacts (e.g., sea-level rise, extreme weather).
  • Gather data and visuals to support your presentation.
  • Organize your findings into a clear and compelling narrative.
  • Practice your presentation to improve delivery.
Review 'Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming'
Explore potential solutions to climate change and gain a more optimistic outlook.
View Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on the proposed solutions.
  • Evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of different solutions.
  • Discuss the book's findings with others.
Create a Data Visualization of Global Temperature Trends
Deepen your understanding of climate data by creating a data visualization.
Show steps
  • Find a reliable source of global temperature data (e.g., NASA, NOAA).
  • Choose a visualization tool (e.g., Python with Matplotlib, Tableau).
  • Create a visualization that clearly shows temperature trends over time.
  • Write a brief explanation of your visualization and its implications.

Career center

Learners who complete Climate Science and Climate Change 2023 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Climate Risk Consultant
A climate risk consultant assesses and helps organizations manage the risks associated with climate change, such as extreme weather events and sea level rise. This course helps by providing a comprehensive overview of climate science, including observed temperature changes and future climate scenarios, which is essential for understanding and quantifying climate risks. The course also covers the political landscape, which helps the consultant navigate regulatory considerations. Climate risk consultants often require advanced degrees.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Risk Consultant
Climate Change Analyst
A climate change analyst assesses the impacts of climate change on various sectors, such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. This course directly supports this role by providing a comprehensive understanding of climate science. Understanding the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions helps an analyst identify vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies. Furthermore, being able to understand the science, explain global warming and why it is human induced, and also understand the scientific uncertainties and their impact on opinions are helpful to a climate change analyst. Climate change analysts typically have advanced degrees.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst
Environmental Policy Analyst
An environmental policy analyst researches and develops policies to address environmental problems, including climate change. This course helps by providing a strong foundation in climate science, the causes of climate change, and the political landscape. Understanding the arguments of climate skeptics, as covered in the course, enables the analyst to develop effective and well-reasoned policy recommendations. Environmental policy analysts typically work for government agencies, research institutions, or non-profit organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst
Sustainability Consultant
A sustainability consultant helps organizations reduce their environmental impact and improve their sustainability performance. This course aids in understanding the scientific evidence behind climate change, as presented in the IPCC report, and enables the consultant to effectively communicate the urgency and necessity of sustainable practices to businesses and other organizations. The course also provides insights into the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, equipping the consultant with the knowledge to identify areas for improvement within various industries. Furthermore, knowing the arguments of climate skeptics, as covered in the course, allows a sustainability consultant to address concerns and promote evidence-based solutions. This course equips one with knowledge to work in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant
Environmental Educator
An environmental educator teaches others about environmental issues, including climate change, in schools, museums, or other educational settings. This course provides the scientific knowledge and understanding of climate change needed to effectively educate others. Learners will be able to explain global warming and why it is human induced, refer to scientific evidence, and understand the arguments of climate skeptics. Environmental educators may work with children or adults.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator
Environmental Journalist
An environmental journalist reports on environmental issues, including climate change, for newspapers, magazines, websites, and television. A journalist needs a firm grounding in the science and impacts of climate change. This course helps by providing learners with an understanding of the scientific evidence, terminology, and key issues related to climate change. Furthermore, the course covers the political landscape and arguments of climate skeptics, which helps a journalist provide balanced and informative reporting. Environmental journalists synthesize complicated data and present it to the public.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Journalist
Sustainability Director
A sustainability director leads an organization's efforts to reduce its environmental impact and improve its sustainability performance. This course can be useful for understanding the scientific evidence behind climate change, and it enables the director to effectively communicate the urgency. Also, the course provides insights into the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, equipping the director with the knowledge to identify areas for improvement. A sustainability director should be familiar with the kinds of topics covered in this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Director
Carbon Offset Specialist
A carbon offset specialist works with businesses and organizations to reduce their carbon footprint by investing in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions. The course provides a foundation in understanding the sources of greenhouse gas emissions and the science behind climate change, which helps the specialist evaluate the effectiveness of different carbon offset projects. This course explains global warming and why it is human induced and also helps one understand the scientific uncertainties and how these affect opinions. Carbon offsetters need some scientific literacy to be most effective.
See salaries and explore the career path for Carbon Offset Specialist
Environmental Lobbyist
An environmental lobbyist advocates for policies that protect the environment and promote sustainability. This course can be helpful for understanding the political landscape of climate change, which is crucial for lobbying effectively. Understanding the latest scientific evidence, including the IPCC report, helps a lobbyist make informed arguments to policymakers. Furthermore, this course can help equip a lobbyist to address the arguments put forward by climate skeptics. Environmental lobbyists try to sway government officials toward certain policies, and a course like this one can help build a foundation for that career.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lobbyist
ESG Analyst
An environmental social governance analyst evaluates companies based on their environmental, social, and governance practices. This course can be useful for understanding the environmental aspects of ESG, particularly those related to climate change. The course provides insights into greenhouse gas emissions and the political landscape, which helps the analyst assess a company's climate-related risks and opportunities. Environmental social governance is a rapidly expanding field.
See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Analyst
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. Understanding climate change and its causes, as covered in this course, helps the project manager contextualize the importance of their work. This course also provides insights into greenhouse gas emissions, which helps the project manager advocate for renewable energy solutions. The project manager role requires one to work with teams of technical staff, and an understanding of the political landscape is helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Project Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
A corporate social responsibility manager develops and implements strategies to improve a company's social and environmental performance. This course provides the foundational knowledge of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions to help the manager develop effective sustainability initiatives. Understanding the political landscape, as covered in the course, helps the manager navigate regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations. A course of this kind helps a corporate social reponsibility manager understand the relationship between social responsibility and climate risks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Energy Efficiency Specialist
An energy efficiency specialist identifies and implements strategies to reduce energy consumption in buildings, industrial processes, and transportation systems. This course can be helpful for understanding the link between energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding the sources of greenhouse gas emissions, as covered in the course, helps the specialist prioritize energy efficiency projects with the greatest impact. An energy efficiency specialist can work for a variety of companies or for government organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Efficiency Specialist
Environmental Compliance Officer
An environmental compliance officer ensures that an organization complies with environmental regulations and standards. This course may be useful for understanding the scientific basis for environmental regulations related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. The course also covers the political landscape, which helps the officer stay informed about evolving regulatory requirements. Environmental compliance officers often work in industries with significant environmental impacts, such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Compliance Officer
Urban Planner
An urban planner designs and develops sustainable communities that reduce environmental impact and promote climate resilience. This climate change course provides a crucial understanding of the science behind climate change, along with the sources of greenhouse gas emissions, enabling the planner to incorporate climate-friendly strategies into urban development projects. Urban planning requires consideration of the political landscape, and this course can build a foundation for that.
See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

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 Science and Climate Change 2023.
Cover image
Drawdown
Save
Presents a wide range of solutions to climate change, offering a hopeful and actionable perspective. It provides a comprehensive overview of potential strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reversing global warming. It useful reference tool for understanding the breadth of possible solutions. This book is commonly used by industry professionals and policymakers.
Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed...
Paperback
$$
(Deutsch) Drawdown - der Plan: Wie wir die Erderwärmung...
Kindle Edition
$$
Drawdown. Comment inverser le cours du...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
The Sixth Extinction
Save
Explores the concept of mass extinctions and how human activity is driving the sixth one. It provides a broader context for understanding the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems. It is valuable as additional reading to deepen your understanding of the ecological consequences of climate change. This book is commonly recommended for environmental science courses.
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History
Paperback
$$
Under a White Sky: The Nature of the Future
Paperback
$
The Sixth Extinction (young readers adaptation): An...
Hardcover
$$
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History
Kindle Edition
$$
The Sixth Extinction (young readers adaptation): An...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Rating
4.4 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
1.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructors
Duncan Wilson
Emilie Pons
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides an overview of climate change, global warming, and greenhouse gas emissions, which is helpful for those new to the subject
Covers the political landscape of climate science, enabling learners to engage in informed discussions with colleagues
Explores the arguments of climate change skeptics, which allows learners to formulate science-based counter-arguments
Refers to the IPCC report, which is a key source of scientific evidence on climate change
Belongs to a series of films on climate-related topics, which may offer a more comprehensive learning experience
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