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Rick Thoman Jr,
John Walsh,
Tom Ballinger,
Don Moore,
Bill Simpson,
Peter Bieniek,
Rick Lader,
Seth Danielson,
Till Baumann,
Hajo Eicken,
Georgina Gibson,
Franz Mueter,
Donna Hauser,
Thomas Farrugia,
Claudine Hauri,
Margaret Rudolph,
Matthew Sturm,
Joanna Young,
Uma Bhatt,
Skip Walker,
Scott Rupp,
Bill Morris,
Knut Kielland,
Rick Lanctot,
Nancy Fresco,
Alec Bennett,
Malinda Chase,
Amy Lovecraft,
Troy Bouffard,
Mike DeLue,
Roberta Glenn,
and
Kristin Timm
- 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.
Read more
- 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.
Read more
- 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
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/spmui8/climate
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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
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1: Change in our Arctic Atmosphere
Emissions, atmospheric systems and the effects of climate change on the Arctic atmosphere.
Temperature and precipitation
Read more
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
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
Save this course
Save Climate Change in Arctic Environments to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
Save
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 Change in Arctic Environments with these
activities:
Practice data analysis techniques
Show steps
Sharpen your data analysis skills to enhance your ability to interpret Arctic climate data.
Browse courses on
Data Analysis
Show steps
-
Review basic statistical concepts and data manipulation techniques.
-
Use online tutorials or software to practice data analysis methods.
-
Apply your skills to analyze real-world Arctic climate data.
Review basic atmospheric science
Show steps
Refresh your foundational knowledge of atmospheric processes to enhance your understanding of Arctic climate.
Show steps
-
Review notes or textbooks on atmospheric pressure, temperature, and circulation.
-
Explore online simulations or videos to visualize atmospheric phenomena.
-
Discuss key concepts with classmates or the instructor to clarify your understanding.
Review the basics of climate change
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of the fundamental principles of climate change to prepare for the course.
Browse courses on
Climate Change
Show steps
-
Take a quiz or practice questions
-
Read a book or article on the topic
-
Watch a documentary or video about climate change
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Identify the four major Arctic systems
Show steps
Develop a clear understanding of the key systems that interact within the Arctic environment.
Show steps
-
Review the course materials on each of the four systems.
-
Create a diagram or table summarizing the characteristics and interactions of each system.
-
Discuss the connections between the different systems with classmates or the instructor.
Climate Data Analysis Practice
Show steps
Practice analyzing climate data to enhance your understanding of the Arctic systems and their interactions.
Show steps
-
Find publicly available climate datasets related to the Arctic region, such as temperature, precipitation, or sea ice data.
-
Select appropriate data analysis tools and techniques to visualize and interpret the data.
-
Identify trends, patterns, and relationships within the data and draw meaningful conclusions.
Analyze Arctic system interactions
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the complex interdependencies within the Arctic ecosystem.
Browse courses on
Climate Change Impacts
Show steps
-
Select a specific Arctic system interaction, such as the impact of ocean acidification on marine life.
-
Research the scientific literature and gather data on the topic.
-
Collaborate with peers to analyze the data and draw conclusions.
-
Present your findings to the class or in an online forum.
Arctic Climate Modeling Tutorial
Show steps
Complete a tutorial on Arctic climate modeling to gain hands-on experience and deepen your understanding of climate projections.
Browse courses on
Climate Modeling
Show steps
-
Find online tutorials or workshops that provide a step-by-step guide to Arctic climate modeling.
-
Install necessary software and follow the instructions provided in the tutorial.
-
Run climate model simulations and analyze the results to understand the potential impacts of climate change.
Arctic Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Show steps
Develop an adaptation plan for a specific Arctic community to demonstrate your understanding of the impacts of climate change and potential mitigation strategies.
Browse courses on
Climate Change Adaptation
Show steps
-
Research the specific vulnerabilities and adaptive capacity of the chosen Arctic community.
-
Identify potential adaptation measures and evaluate their feasibility and effectiveness.
-
Create a comprehensive adaptation plan that outlines the proposed measures, timelines, and responsible parties.
Practice data analysis techniques
Show steps
Sharpen your data analysis skills to enhance your ability to interpret Arctic climate data.
Browse courses on
Data Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review basic statistical concepts and data manipulation techniques.
- Use online tutorials or software to practice data analysis methods.
- Apply your skills to analyze real-world Arctic climate data.
Review basic atmospheric science
Show steps
Refresh your foundational knowledge of atmospheric processes to enhance your understanding of Arctic climate.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes or textbooks on atmospheric pressure, temperature, and circulation.
- Explore online simulations or videos to visualize atmospheric phenomena.
- Discuss key concepts with classmates or the instructor to clarify your understanding.
Review the basics of climate change
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of the fundamental principles of climate change to prepare for the course.
Browse courses on
Climate Change
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Take a quiz or practice questions
- Read a book or article on the topic
- Watch a documentary or video about climate change
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Identify the four major Arctic systems
Show steps
Develop a clear understanding of the key systems that interact within the Arctic environment.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the course materials on each of the four systems.
- Create a diagram or table summarizing the characteristics and interactions of each system.
- Discuss the connections between the different systems with classmates or the instructor.
Climate Data Analysis Practice
Show steps
Practice analyzing climate data to enhance your understanding of the Arctic systems and their interactions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find publicly available climate datasets related to the Arctic region, such as temperature, precipitation, or sea ice data.
- Select appropriate data analysis tools and techniques to visualize and interpret the data.
- Identify trends, patterns, and relationships within the data and draw meaningful conclusions.
Analyze Arctic system interactions
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the complex interdependencies within the Arctic ecosystem.
Browse courses on
Climate Change Impacts
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a specific Arctic system interaction, such as the impact of ocean acidification on marine life.
- Research the scientific literature and gather data on the topic.
- Collaborate with peers to analyze the data and draw conclusions.
- Present your findings to the class or in an online forum.
Arctic Climate Modeling Tutorial
Show steps
Complete a tutorial on Arctic climate modeling to gain hands-on experience and deepen your understanding of climate projections.
Browse courses on
Climate Modeling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online tutorials or workshops that provide a step-by-step guide to Arctic climate modeling.
- Install necessary software and follow the instructions provided in the tutorial.
- Run climate model simulations and analyze the results to understand the potential impacts of climate change.
Arctic Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Show steps
Develop an adaptation plan for a specific Arctic community to demonstrate your understanding of the impacts of climate change and potential mitigation strategies.
Browse courses on
Climate Change Adaptation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the specific vulnerabilities and adaptive capacity of the chosen Arctic community.
- Identify potential adaptation measures and evaluate their feasibility and effectiveness.
- Create a comprehensive adaptation plan that outlines the proposed measures, timelines, and responsible parties.
Career center
Learners who complete Climate Change in Arctic Environments will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Climatologist
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.
Meteorologist
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.
Oceanographer
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.
Climate Policy Analyst
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.
Environmental Scientist
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.
Wildlife Biologist
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.
Environmental Policy Analyst
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.
Natural Resources Manager
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.
Conservation Scientist
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.
Ecologist
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.
Science Policy Analyst
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.
Geologist
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.
Environmental Engineer
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.
Geographer
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.
Sustainability Consultant
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/spmui8/climate
Reading list
We've selected eight 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 Change in Arctic Environments.
This textbook gives a comprehensive overview of the Arctic climate, covering atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial systems, and the human dimension. It's a useful reference for any student of the Arctic environment.
This comprehensive report provides a detailed assessment of the impacts of climate change on Alaska, including the four domains covered in the course.
This report by the IPCC provides a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of climate change on the oceans, including the Arctic Ocean and its ecosystems.
This comprehensive encyclopedia provides a detailed overview of the Arctic, including its history, geography, environment, and peoples.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of sea ice, covering its formation, properties, and role in the climate system. It's a useful resource for students interested in the physical science of sea ice.
Save
This thorough and well-regarded text provides a broad overview of Arctic climate change, and gives attention to both the impacts of local activities and the potential for far-reaching consequences. It's a great companion to the course as it provides additional context and case studies.
This educational report provides an introduction to the impacts of climate change on the Arctic. Note that there have been more recent reports published by Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, but this would be a good place to start.
Provides a history of the organized efforts by well-funded interest groups to manufacture uncertainty about climate science. While its full relevance to the course may not be immediately obvious, it will be of interest to learners who want to know about the complexities of science communication and the politics of climate denialism.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/spmui8/climate
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Effort
3 to 5 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Instructors
Rick Thoman Jr
John Walsh
Tom Ballinger
Don Moore
Bill Simpson
Peter Bieniek
Rick Lader
Seth Danielson
Till Baumann
Hajo Eicken
Georgina Gibson
Franz Mueter
Donna Hauser
Thomas Farrugia
Claudine Hauri
Margaret Rudolph
Matthew Sturm
Joanna Young
Uma Bhatt
Skip Walker
Scott Rupp
Bill Morris
Knut Kielland
Rick Lanctot
Nancy Fresco
Alec Bennett
Malinda Chase
Amy Lovecraft
Troy Bouffard
Mike DeLue
Roberta Glenn
Kristin Timm
Language
English
Transcripts
English
Español
Français
中文
日本語
Pусский
Good to know
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
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