Climate Change in Arctic Environments from edX

You will learn from researchers and staff from a variety of disciplines at the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ International Arctic Research Center and its collaborators.
An introduction to a variety of areas of expertise, from atmospheric science to traditional knowledge on subsistence calendars, will equip you to understand these complex systems and the knowledge-holders who examine them in detail.
You will develop a basic understanding of climate change in the circumpolar arctic through an in-depth examination of four primary systems: atmospheric systems, marine systems, terrestrial systems, and human systems.
Key concepts will be explained with practical Arctic-focused examples including Arctic climate modelling, climate policy, physical properties of the ocean, and more.
You will learn to trace impacts through those complex systems from physical science, through the biodiversity of flora and fauna, and on to the societies that depend on those resources.
Key texts to understanding environmental change will be made available to participants with guidance and quizzes to check understanding, giving you the skills to understand reports and policies impacting the region.

You will learn from researchers and staff from a variety of disciplines at the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ International Arctic Research Center and its collaborators.
An introduction to a variety of areas of expertise, from atmospheric science to traditional knowledge on subsistence calendars, will equip you to understand these complex systems and the knowledge-holders who examine them in detail.
You will develop a basic understanding of climate change in the circumpolar arctic through an in-depth examination of four primary systems: atmospheric systems, marine systems, terrestrial systems, and human systems.
Key concepts will be explained with practical Arctic-focused examples including Arctic climate modelling, climate policy, physical properties of the ocean, and more.
You will learn to trace impacts through those complex systems from physical science, through the biodiversity of flora and fauna, and on to the societies that depend on those resources.
Key texts to understanding environmental change will be made available to participants with guidance and quizzes to check understanding, giving you the skills to understand reports and policies impacting the region.

Title image credit - Steffen M. Olsen, Climate researcher at the Danish Meteorological Institute

What's inside

Learning objectives

Develop an understanding of climate and arctic terminology
Compare the four featured systems in the arctic: atmospheric, terrestrial, marine, and human
Demonstrate the connected nature of arctic systems

Analyze how those systems interact and affect one another
Interpret climate science reports such as the us arctic report card, alaska’s changing environment, and others

Develop an understanding of climate and arctic terminology
Compare the four featured systems in the arctic: atmospheric, terrestrial, marine, and human
Demonstrate the connected nature of arctic systems
Analyze how those systems interact and affect one another
Interpret climate science reports such as the us arctic report card, alaska’s changing environment, and others

Syllabus

Week 1: Change in our Arctic Atmosphere

Emissions, atmospheric systems and the effects of climate change on the Arctic atmosphere.

Temperature and precipitation

Snow, storms, extreme events, and air quality

Modeling and climate model projections, downscaled projections

Week 2: Change On and Under the Waves

Ocean temperature & salinity

Changes in Arctic sea ice concentration, formation, and thickness

Ocean currents

Ocean acidification and ocean change

The marine food web: algal blooms, fish, marine mammals

How changes in physical properties impact the entire marine ecosystem

Week 3: Our Changing Terrestrial Environment

Permafrost and terrestrial snow cover

Glacial ice

Vegetation

Wildfire impacts

Terrestrial animals and ecosystems

Birds

Future changes

Week 4: The Human Element

History of human activity in the Arctic

Food security

Governance: local and global policymakers

Risk and vulnerability assessments

Infrastructure

Adaptation actions and multiple stressors

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the Arctic from a range of scientific disciplines, providing a comprehensive overview of the region

Taught by researchers and staff from the International Arctic Research Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, this course is grounded in expertise

Develops an understanding of climate science reports, such as the US Arctic Report Card, providing learners with skills to engage with important resources

Covering both physical science and human systems, this course provides a holistic view of the Arctic and its inhabitants

Examines the connected nature of Arctic systems, a topic highly relevant to understanding global environmental change

Requires learners to have some background knowledge in atmospheric science, oceanography, terrestrial ecology, or human geography

Career center

Learners who complete Climate Change in Arctic Environments will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Climatologist

Climatologists study the climate system, which includes the atmosphere, oceans, land, and ice. This course would be useful for aspiring Climatologists due to its focus on the circumpolar Arctic, one of the areas most affected by changing global temperatures. It would also help build a foundation in the processes that affect climate change and its impacts.

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Meteorologist

Meteorologists analyze, forecast, and interpret weather and climate patterns. This course would be appropriate for those who wish to work in the field, as it will help build a foundation in Arctic meteorology. By learning how atmospheric systems function, students can take on roles specializing in this subfield.

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Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the physical and chemical properties and processes of the ocean. This course would be highly useful for Oceanographers who focus on the Arctic, as the course covers changes in Arctic sea ice concentration, formation, and thickness, ocean currents, ocean acidification, the marine food web, and how changes in physical properties impact the entire marine ecosystem.

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Climate Policy Analyst

Climate Policy Analysts research and analyze climate change data to inform public policy. This course would provide a useful foundation for Climate Policy Analysts who want to specialize in Arctic policy. The Arctic is a key region for climate change research, and this course can help analysts understand the scientific basis for policy decisions.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists focus on studying the environment and human impact thereon. This course would be appropriate for Environmental Scientists that focus on the Arctic, as it will provide a strong foundation in the interconnected aspects of these systems. They will learn about climate modeling, climate policy, physical properties of the ocean, and more.

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Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the biology, behavior, and conservation of wild animals. This course would provide a useful foundation for Wildlife Biologists who want to specialize in the study of Arctic wildlife. Arctic systems are home to unique and diverse wildlife, and the course will help students understand how climate change impacts these populations.

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Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts research and analyze environmental issues to inform public policy. This course would be appropriate for Environmental Policy Analysts who want to specialize in Arctic policy. The Arctic is a key region for climate change research, and this course can help analysts understand the scientific basis for policy decisions.

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Natural Resources Manager

Natural Resources Managers develop and implement plans for the management of natural resources, such as forests, water, and wildlife. This course would be appropriate for Natural Resources Managers who want to specialize in the management of Arctic resources. Arctic resources are significantly impacted by climate change, and this course can help managers understand how these factors come to bear.

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Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists study the conservation of natural resources and develop strategies to protect them. This course would provide a useful foundation for Conservation Scientists who want to specialize in Arctic conservation. The Arctic is a region that is particularly vulnerable to climate change, and this course can help scientists understand the challenges and opportunities for conservation in the region.

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Ecologist

Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. This course would build a foundation for Ecologists who want to specialize in the study of Arctic ecosystems. It can provide insight into how climate change affects the Arctic's atmosphere, marine life, and terrestrial ecosystems, allowing Ecologists to better understand the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.

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Science Policy Analyst

Science Policy Analysts research and analyze scientific data to inform public policy. This course may be useful for Science Policy Analysts who want to specialize in Arctic policy. The Arctic is a key region for climate change research, and this course can help analysts understand the scientific basis for policy decisions.

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Geologist

Geologists study the solid, liquid, and gaseous matter that constitutes the Earth and other celestial bodies, the processes that act on them, and the history of the planet and its life forms. This course may be useful for Geologists who want to specialize in Arctic geology. The course covers permafrost, glacial ice, and other topics related to the changing terrestrial environment.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers apply engineering principles to protect and improve the environment. This course may be useful for Environmental Engineers who want to specialize in Arctic environmental engineering. The Arctic is a region that is particularly vulnerable to climate change, and this course can help engineers understand the challenges and opportunities for environmental engineering in the region.

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Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's physical features, human populations, and interactions between them. This course may be useful for Geographers who want to specialize in Arctic geography. The course covers environmental change and how it has affected the Arctic's physical systems, biodiversity, and societies.

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Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations reduce their environmental impact and improve their sustainability. This course may be useful for Sustainability Consultants who want to specialize in Arctic sustainability. The Arctic is a region that is particularly vulnerable to climate change, and this course can help consultants understand the challenges and opportunities for sustainability in the region.

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