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Joseph Casola
In this course, learners will become familiar with the scientific evidence that demonstrates human-caused climate change. We will explore how greenhouse gases cause the Earth to warm, and why our recent warming is attributed to human activities. We will also discuss where our climate is headed, including anticipated future temperature, precipitation, and sea level. Learners will engage with the consequences of these changes on our ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities. We will also identify how political beliefs influence our attitudes about climate change, and apply that knowledge to become better climate communicators.
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What's inside
Syllabus
The Climate System and Climate Change
Climate change is real. Scientists agree that human activities are causing the climate to change. Warming will continue in the 21st century, and the amount of warming will be determined by our emissions of greenhouse gases.
Read more
Syllabus
The Climate System and Climate Change
Climate change is real. Scientists agree that human activities are causing the climate to change. Warming will continue in the 21st century, and the amount of warming will be determined by our emissions of greenhouse gases.
Read more
Impacts of Climate Change
The net impact of climate change on ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities is expected to be negative. Many impacts are already occurring, and we expect future warming to exacerbate their effects.
Attitudes About Climate Change
To stay informed about climate change, it is important to know where to get credible information. It’s also important to understand how scientific information is unique from other types of knowledge. Also, it can be helpful to recognize that others’ opinions on climate are heavily influenced by political affiliation. When engaging with others on climate, information needs to be tailored to take into account your audiences concerns and world views.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Covers the latest scientific evidence on human-caused climate change
Helps learners understand the consequences of climate change on ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities
Provides strategies for effective climate communication
May be of particular interest to individuals with a background in environmental science or policy
Requires a strong understanding of scientific concepts to fully comprehend the material
Save this course
Save What is Climate Change? to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Climate change introduction
Students largely express satisfaction with this course. They especially highlight the quality of the course content and the importance of the topic. Many appreciate its accessibility, even for novice learners.
Course material is easy to understand.
"not at all daunting to the complete novice"
Students believe this course discusses a critical topic.
"IT IS AN IMPORTANT COURSE FOR THE CURRENT SITUATION"
"An excellent course, it helps me to have a clearer perspective of what is happening in the world and my great contribution that I can give"
Review of course material is very positive.
"Incredibly important information and professionally presented"
"Good and easy entry for beginners to start learning Climate Change"
"Short but to the point as an great overview and introduction to the topic"
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 What is Climate Change? with these
activities:
Review Fundamental Climate Science
Show steps
Refreshing your understanding of fundamental climate science will provide a solid foundation for engaging with advanced topics and contemporary research in the field.
Browse courses on
Climate System
Show steps
-
Review key concepts from introductory climate science courses
-
Explore reputable online resources and articles
-
Attend a科普 lecture or webinar
Review Scientific Writing
Show steps
Revisiting scientific writing principles will enhance your ability to effectively communicate your research findings and ideas in the field of climate science.
Browse courses on
Scientific Writing
Show steps
-
Review guidelines for scientific writing
-
Practice writing a scientific paper or report
Review 'Six Degrees: Our Future on a Hotter Planet' by Mark Lynas
Show steps
Reading 'Six Degrees' will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the potential consequences of climate change, enhancing your understanding of the urgency and severity of the issue.
View
Our Final Warning: Six Degrees of Climate...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes
-
Summarize the key arguments and evidence
-
Reflect on the implications of the book for climate policy
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Organize Course Materials
Show steps
Compiling and reviewing your course materials, such as notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams, will help you organize and retain the information, making it easier to locate and recall when needed.
Browse courses on
Climate Science
Show steps
-
Review course syllabus and readings
-
Gather all course materials
-
Organize materials by topic
Explore Climate Data
Show steps
Guided tutorials will provide step-by-step instructions to explore and analyze climate data, allowing you to gain hands-on experience and deepen your understanding of climate change.
Show steps
-
Find a reputable climate data source
-
Identify the relevant data variables
-
Download and analyze the data
Discuss Climate Change Impacts
Show steps
Engaging in peer discussions will allow you to share and exchange perspectives on climate change impacts, fostering a deeper understanding and broadening your knowledge.
Browse courses on
Climate Change Impacts
Show steps
-
Form study groups with classmates
-
Identify a specific climate impact to discuss
-
Prepare talking points and research evidence
-
Facilitate a group discussion and share insights
Develop a Climate Action Plan
Show steps
Creating a climate action plan will challenge you to apply your knowledge of climate change to develop practical solutions and strategies, fostering your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on
Climate Action Plans
Show steps
-
Identify stakeholders and gather data
-
Develop mitigation and adaptation strategies
-
Create an implementation plan
-
Monitor and evaluate progress
Conduct a Climate Communication Campaign
Show steps
Initiating a climate communication campaign will empower you to translate scientific knowledge into accessible and persuasive messages, enhancing your communication and advocacy skills.
Show steps
-
Define target audience and communication goals
-
Develop tailored messages and materials
-
Identify communication channels and strategies
-
Implement and monitor the campaign
-
Evaluate impact and make adjustments
Review Fundamental Climate Science
Show steps
Refreshing your understanding of fundamental climate science will provide a solid foundation for engaging with advanced topics and contemporary research in the field.
Browse courses on
Climate System
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review key concepts from introductory climate science courses
- Explore reputable online resources and articles
- Attend a科普 lecture or webinar
Review Scientific Writing
Show steps
Revisiting scientific writing principles will enhance your ability to effectively communicate your research findings and ideas in the field of climate science.
Browse courses on
Scientific Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review guidelines for scientific writing
- Practice writing a scientific paper or report
Review 'Six Degrees: Our Future on a Hotter Planet' by Mark Lynas
Show steps
Reading 'Six Degrees' will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the potential consequences of climate change, enhancing your understanding of the urgency and severity of the issue.
View
Our Final Warning: Six Degrees of Climate...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes
- Summarize the key arguments and evidence
- Reflect on the implications of the book for climate policy
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Organize Course Materials
Show steps
Compiling and reviewing your course materials, such as notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams, will help you organize and retain the information, making it easier to locate and recall when needed.
Browse courses on
Climate Science
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review course syllabus and readings
- Gather all course materials
- Organize materials by topic
Explore Climate Data
Show steps
Guided tutorials will provide step-by-step instructions to explore and analyze climate data, allowing you to gain hands-on experience and deepen your understanding of climate change.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a reputable climate data source
- Identify the relevant data variables
- Download and analyze the data
Discuss Climate Change Impacts
Show steps
Engaging in peer discussions will allow you to share and exchange perspectives on climate change impacts, fostering a deeper understanding and broadening your knowledge.
Browse courses on
Climate Change Impacts
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form study groups with classmates
- Identify a specific climate impact to discuss
- Prepare talking points and research evidence
- Facilitate a group discussion and share insights
Develop a Climate Action Plan
Show steps
Creating a climate action plan will challenge you to apply your knowledge of climate change to develop practical solutions and strategies, fostering your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on
Climate Action Plans
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify stakeholders and gather data
- Develop mitigation and adaptation strategies
- Create an implementation plan
- Monitor and evaluate progress
Conduct a Climate Communication Campaign
Show steps
Initiating a climate communication campaign will empower you to translate scientific knowledge into accessible and persuasive messages, enhancing your communication and advocacy skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Define target audience and communication goals
- Develop tailored messages and materials
- Identify communication channels and strategies
- Implement and monitor the campaign
- Evaluate impact and make adjustments
Career center
Learners who complete What is Climate Change? will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analyst
A Climate Change Analyst studies the effects of greenhouse gasses on the planet's rising temperatures and climate. This course will help you build a foundation in why our recent global warming is attributed to human activities. You will also learn about the potential consequences of climate change, such as rising sea levels, increasingly frequent extreme weather events, and changing wildlife habitats.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
An Environmental Scientist researches the impact of humans on the environment. This course will help you build a solid foundation in the impacts of climate change on our ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst researches, analyzes, and interprets complex policy issues to make informed recommendations. This course will equip you with the skills needed to identify how political beliefs influence our attitudes about climate change and how to become better climate communicators.
Science Writer
Science Writer
A Science Writer communicates scientific and technical information to a lay audience. This course will help you learn how to engage with others on climate change and how to tailor your information to take into account your audience's concerns and worldviews.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
A Sustainability Consultant helps organizations reduce their environmental impact. This course will help you understand the science of climate change, the impacts of climate change on the environment, and how to communicate about climate change effectively.
Climate Modeler
Climate Modeler
A Climate Modeler uses computer models to simulate the Earth's climate. This course will help you build a foundation in the scientific evidence that demonstrates human-caused climate change and how to explore how greenhouse gasses cause the Earth to warm.
Geographer
Geographer
A Geographer studies the Earth's surface and human-environment interactions. This course may be useful to those interested in learning about the anticipated future temperature, precipitation, and sea level associated with climate change.
Journalist
Journalist
A Journalist researches, analyzes, and interprets news and current events. This course may help those interested in improving their ability to present information about climate change in a clear and concise manner.
Lawyer
Lawyer
A Lawyer advises and represents clients in legal matters. This course may be useful to those interested in specializing in environmental law.
Teacher
Teacher
A Teacher instructs students at all levels of education. This course may be useful to those interested in teaching science or environmental studies.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner develops plans for the use of land in cities and towns. This course may be useful to those interested in planning for the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
Risk Manager
Risk Manager
A Risk Manager identifies, assesses, and manages risks. This course may be useful to those interested in managing the risks associated with climate change, such as extreme weather events and sea level rise.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst evaluates the financial performance of companies and makes investment recommendations. This course may be useful to those interested in analyzing the financial impacts of climate change, such as the costs of sea level rise and extreme weather events.
Insurance Agent
Insurance Agent
An Insurance Agent sells and services insurance policies to individuals and businesses. This course may be useful to those interested in selling insurance policies that cover the risks associated with climate change, such as flood insurance and homeowners insurance.
Realtor
Realtor
A Realtor helps people buy, sell, and rent homes. This course may be useful to those interested in helping clients make informed decisions about buying or selling property in areas that are at risk from climate change, such as coastal areas and floodplains.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/mnkh2o/what
Reading list
We've selected 12 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
What is Climate Change?.
This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the scientific evidence on climate change. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the science of climate change.
This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of climate change on natural and human systems. It also provides recommendations for adaptation and vulnerability reduction.
This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the options for mitigating climate change. It also provides recommendations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Save
Provides a comprehensive plan for reversing global warming. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about climate change and what can be done to address it.
Provides a detailed account of the impacts of climate change on different parts of the world. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the specific impacts of climate change.
Save
Provides a concise and accessible overview of the science of climate change. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about climate change without getting bogged down in the details.
Was one of the first to raise the alarm about climate change. It powerful and moving account of the impacts of climate change on the natural world.
Classic work of environmental literature. It helped to raise public awareness of the dangers of pesticides and other environmental pollutants.
This children's book powerful allegory about the importance of protecting the environment. It great way to introduce children to the concept of climate change.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing our planet. It also provides a roadmap for creating a sustainable future.
Save
Explores the economic risks of climate change. It provides a framework for making decisions about climate change in the face of uncertainty.
Explores the role of science denial in the public discourse on climate change. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand how climate change denial works.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/mnkh2o/what
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Joseph Casola
Language
English
Transcripts
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中文
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Exploring Our Responses to Climate Change. It's comprised of three courses:
- How Do We Manage Climate Change?
- Planning with Climate Change in Mind
- What is Climate Change? (viewing)
Good to know
Covers the latest scientific evidence on human-caused climate change
Helps learners understand the consequences of climate change on ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities
Provides strategies for effective climate communication
May be of particular interest to individuals with a background in environmental science or policy
Requires a strong understanding of scientific concepts to fully comprehend the material
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