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What is Climate Change?

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

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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

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Reviews summary

Clear scientific introduction to climate change

According to students, this course provides a clear and accessible understanding of human-caused climate change, breaking down complex scientific concepts with strong scientific evidence. Learners praise the engaging lectures, well-curated readings, and fair quizzes that reinforce learning. A particularly highlighted aspect is the practical insights offered for climate communication and understanding attitudes. While providing a solid foundational overview, a few students noted that some may desire more scientific depth or find the pace slow, wishing for more interactive elements. Overall, it's considered an excellent, relevant, and comprehensive introduction.
Offers a comprehensive and credible introduction to climate science.
"A very solid introduction to climate change. The scientific evidence was presented clearly and logically..."
"Excellent course for anyone trying to grasp the basics of climate science and its implications."
"It provided me with a comprehensive understanding of human impact and future scenarios."
Provides valuable strategies for understanding and discussing climate views.
"I especially appreciated the modules on the 'Attitudes About Climate Change' which provided practical insights for communicating effectively."
"The segments on climate communication are particularly valuable in today's world."
"The discussion on political influence on climate views was also very insightful."
Expertly simplifies complex scientific concepts for all learners.
"The instructors, from the University of Colorado Boulder, did an exceptional job of breaking down complex scientific concepts into understandable segments."
"As someone without a strong science background, I found the explanations incredibly clear and easy to follow."
"It's challenging to find a course that balances scientific rigor with accessibility, but this one does it perfectly."
Some found the pace slow and desired more interactive elements.
"The course covers essential topics, but I found the pace a bit slow at times, especially in the initial modules."
"While the scientific explanations were clear, I wished for more interactive elements beyond the multiple-choice quizzes."
Might be too basic for those seeking rigorous scientific detail.
"While the core content was excellent, I felt some sections, particularly on future impacts, could have gone into more detail."
"For someone looking for a more rigorous scientific dive, this might feel a bit superficial."
"Great for beginners, but those with a science background might find parts a bit basic."

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

Career center

Learners who complete What is Climate Change? will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Modeler
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
Lawyer
A Lawyer advises and represents clients in legal matters. This course may be useful to those interested in specializing in environmental law.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer
Teacher
A Teacher instructs students at all levels of education. This course may be useful to those interested in teaching science or environmental studies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Insurance Agent
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Realtor

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?.
Cover image
Climate Change 2021 – The Physical Science Basis
Save
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.
Climate Change 2021 – The Physical Science Basis:...
Paperback
$$$$
Climate Change 2021 – The Physical Science Basis:...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Climate Change 2022 – Impacts, Adaptation and...
Save
This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of climate change on natural and human systems. It also provides recommendations for adaptation and vulnerability reduction.
Climate Change 2022 – Impacts, Adaptation and...
Paperback
$$$$
Climate Change 2022 – Impacts, Adaptation and...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Climate Change and Land
Save
This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the options for mitigating climate change. It also provides recommendations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate Change and Land: IPCC Special Report on...
Paperback
$$$
Climate Change and Land: IPCC Special Report on...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Drawdown
Save
Provides a comprehensive plan for reversing global warming. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about climate change and what can be done to address it.
Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed...
Paperback
$$
(Deutsch) Drawdown - der Plan: Wie wir die Erderwärmung...
Kindle Edition
$$
Drawdown. Comment inverser le cours du...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Our Final Warning: Six Degrees of Climate Emergency
Save
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.
Our Final Warning: Six Degrees of Climate Emergency
Paperback
$$
(Deutsch) 6 Grad mehr: Die verheerenden Folgen der...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Big Myth
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.
The Big Myth
Paperback
Check
The Big Myth
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2024
Save
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.
The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2024
Paperback
Check
The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2024
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Something about the Sky
Save
Classic work of environmental literature. It helped to raise public awareness of the dangers of pesticides and other environmental pollutants.
Something About the Sky
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Dr. Seuss Sight Words Level 1 Workbook
Save
This children's book powerful allegory about the importance of protecting the environment. It great way to introduce children to the concept of climate change.
Dr. Seuss Sight Words Level 1 Workbook: A Sight...
Paperback
$
Cover image
Big World, Small Planet
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing our planet. It also provides a roadmap for creating a sustainable future.
Big World, Small Planet: Abundance within Planetary...
Hardcover
$$
(Deutsch) Big World Small Planet: Wie wir die Zukunft unseres...
Hardcover
$$$
Big World, Small Planet: Abundance Within Planetary...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Climate Shock
Save
Explores the economic risks of climate change. It provides a framework for making decisions about climate change in the face of uncertainty.
Climate Shock: The Economic Consequences of a...
Paperback
$
Climate Shock: The Economic Consequences of a...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
The Collapse of Western Civilization
Save
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.
The Collapse of Western Civilization
Paperback
Check
The Collapse of Western Civilization
Kindle Edition
Check

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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Joseph Casola
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша
This course belongs to a collection called Exploring Our Responses to Climate Change. It's comprised of three courses:
  1. How Do We Manage Climate Change?
  2. Planning with Climate Change in Mind
  3. What is Climate Change? (viewing)
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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
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