Climate Change: The Science and Global Impact from edX

Climate change is arguably the greatest challenge of our time. Human activity has already warmed the planet by one degree Celsius relative to pre-industrial times, and we are feeling the effects through record heat waves, droughts, wildfires and flooding. If we continue to burn fossil fuels at the current rate, the planet will reach two degrees of warming by 2050—the threshold that many scientists have identified as a dangerous tipping point. What is the science behind these projections?

Join climate science expert Michael Mann to learn about the basic scientific principles behind climate change and global warming. We need to understand the science in order to solve the broader environmental, societal and economic changes that climate change is bringing.

By the end of this course, you will:

Develop a deep scientific understanding of HOW the climate system has been changing;
Articulate WHY the climate system is changing;
Understand the nature of these changes;
Develop a systems thinking approach to analyzing the impacts of climate change on both natural and human systems.

The course covers the basic principles of atmospheric science, methods of climate data collection and tracking of greenhouse gas emissions. It introduces basic climate modeling and explores the impact of various greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. Finally, it outlines the impacts of climate change on environmental, social, economic and human systems, from coral reefs and sea level rise to urban infrastructure. The course follows the general outline of the 5th Assessement Report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Principles of atmospheric science
Climate data collection and interpretation
Zero-dimensional energy balance models
One-dimensional energy balanced models
General circulation models

Carbon emissions scenarios
Future climate change projections
Impacts on human systems
Emissions reduction pathways

Principles of atmospheric science
Climate data collection and interpretation
Zero-dimensional energy balance models
One-dimensional energy balanced models
General circulation models
Carbon emissions scenarios
Future climate change projections
Impacts on human systems
Emissions reduction pathways

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Climate and Climate Change

Module 2: Observing and Measuring Anthropogenic Climate Change

Module 3: Modeling the Climate System: The Basics

Module 4: Modeling the Climate System: Advanced

Module 5: Carbon Emission Scenarios

Module 6: Applying Climate Models: Projected Changes in the Climate System

Module 7: Climate Change Impacts: The Future for People and Planet

Module 8: What Is Our Path Forward?

1.0 Course Introduction1.1 What is climate change1.2 What should we care about climate change?1.3 Overview of the climate system: How is the climate system constructed?1.4 Overview of the climate system: How do energy balances work?1.5 Overview of the climate system: Global circulation systems1.6 Other fundamental principles: Feedback mechanisms and the carbon cycle

2.1 Changes in atmospheric greenhouse gases2.2 Modern surface temperature trends2.3 The oceans2.4 Extreme weather2.5 Sea ice, glaciers and global sea level2.6 Paleoclimate evidence of climate change

3.1 Introduction to climate modeling3.2 Expressing a zero-dimensional energy model as a linear equation3.3 0d-EBM demonstration3.4 Estimating climate sensitivity

4.1 One-dimensional energy balance models4.2 Case Study: Using a one-dimensional EBM to model the ice ages4.3 General circulation models4.4 Validating climate models4.5 Detecting climate change4.6 Interpreting climate sensitivity

5.1 Emissions Scenarios5.2 Stabilizing CO2 concentrations

6.1 Surface temperature projections6.2 Projected changes in global precipitation and drought6.3 Atmospheric and oceanic circulation changes6.4 The melting cryosphere6.5 Sea level rise projections6.6 Tropical cyclone and hurricane projections6.7 Extreme weather projections

7.1 Carbon cycle feedbacks7.2 Sea level rise and coastal impacts7.3 Ecosystems and biodiversity7.4 Shifting water and food resources7.5 Human health impacts7.6 Security concerns7.7 Tipping points

8.1 Geoengineering: A scientist’s perspective, Part 18.2 Geoengineering: A scientist’s perspective, Part 28.3 Emissions reductions: The only viable way forward8.4 Conclusion: A path of hope

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches climate science, which is a highly desired topic in tech and academia

Explores the impacts of climate change, which are becoming increasingly problematic

Led by Michael Mann, the recognized climate science expert

Examines the importance of reducing carbon emissions, which is a critical component of any climate change solution

Teaches the basics of climate change, which is important for anyone concerned about the future of our planet

Students will learn about future climate change projections by taking this course

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: The Science and Global Impact with these activities:

Review basic terminology and concepts in climate science

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Reviewing basic terminology and concepts will help you build a strong foundation for understanding the course material.

Browse courses on Climate Science

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Read through the course syllabus and make a list of key terms and concepts.
Find definitions for these terms and concepts using online resources or textbooks.
Create a mind map or flashcards to help you memorize the terms and concepts.

Review Basic Physics Concepts

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Brush up on foundational physics concepts to strengthen your understanding of climate system dynamics.

Browse courses on Physics

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Review notes and textbooks from previous physics courses.
Solve practice problems and exercises to test your understanding.
Attend online tutorials or refresher sessions.

Read 'Six Degrees' by Mark Lynas

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Gain a comprehensive overview of the potential consequences of climate change and explore mitigation and adaptation strategies.

View Our Final Warning: Six Degrees of Climate... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and arguments.
Reflect on the implications of the book's findings and consider its relevance to your field of study.

Seven other activities

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Analyze climate data trends

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Practicing data analysis will help you develop skills in interpreting and understanding climate data.

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Find a dataset of climate data from a reputable source.
Use data visualization tools to create graphs and charts that show trends in the data.
Write a brief report summarizing your findings.

Join a Climate Change Discussion Group

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Engage in discussions with peers to exchange perspectives, share knowledge, and foster deeper understanding of climate change.

Browse courses on Environmental Issues

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Connect with other students or join an online forum.
Prepare talking points or questions to contribute to discussions.
Actively participate in discussions, listening to others' views and sharing your own.

Explore Climate Data Analysis with Python

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Develop practical skills in analyzing climate data using Python to extract meaningful insights and make informed decisions.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Identify online tutorials or courses that focus on climate data analysis with Python.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, completing exercises and assignments.
Apply the learned techniques to analyze real-world climate data.

Build a Climate Model

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Gain hands-on experience by constructing a simplified climate model to simulate and analyze climate change scenarios.

Browse courses on Climate Modeling

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Choose a modeling platform, such as Python or MATLAB.
Develop equations and algorithms to represent climate system components.
Input data on atmospheric conditions, ocean temperatures, and other relevant factors.
Run simulations and analyze the results.
Refine and improve the model based on your findings.

Create an infographic on the impacts of climate change

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Creating an infographic will help you synthesize your understanding of climate change impacts and communicate it effectively.

Browse courses on Climate Change Impacts

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Research the impacts of climate change on different sectors, such as human health, agriculture, and ecosystems.
Design an infographic that visually represents the impacts of climate change.
Share your infographic with others to raise awareness about climate change.

Write a Blog Post on Climate Change Impacts

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Articulate your understanding of climate change impacts and share your insights with a broader audience to raise awareness and promote action.

Browse courses on Climate Change Impacts

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Research specific impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise, extreme weather events, or biodiversity loss.
Gather data and evidence to support your claims.
Choose a writing platform and craft a clear and engaging article.
Share your blog post on social media or other platforms.

Attend a Climate Change Hackathon

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Collaborate with other students and experts to develop innovative solutions and technologies that address climate change challenges.

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Identify upcoming climate hackathons and register for participation.
Form a team or join an existing team with complementary skills.
Brainstorm ideas, develop a prototype, and present your solution.

Career center

Learners who complete Climate Change: The Science and Global Impact will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Climate Scientist

Climate Scientists study the climate system and its interactions with human activities. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the science behind climate change, including its causes, its impacts, and its potential implications for the future. By taking this course, Climate Scientists can deepen their understanding of climate change and gain the knowledge they need to develop and implement strategies to mitigate and adapt to its impacts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Scientist

Climate Change Consultant

Climate Change Consultants help organizations and governments to understand and address the challenges of climate change. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the science behind climate change and its potential impacts on organizations and governments. By taking this course, Climate Change Consultants can gain the knowledge they need to help organizations and governments develop and implement effective strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Consultant

Climate Policy Analyst

Climate Policy Analysts develop and evaluate climate change policies. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the science behind climate change and its potential impacts on society. By taking this course, Climate Policy Analysts can gain the knowledge they need to develop and evaluate policies that effectively mitigate and adapt to climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Policy Analyst

Atmospheric Scientist

Atmospheric Scientists study the Earth's atmosphere and its interactions with other parts of the climate system. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of atmospheric science and how they relate to climate change. By taking this course, Atmospheric Scientists can gain the knowledge they need to understand and predict the impacts of climate change on the atmosphere and its processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Atmospheric Scientist

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, which often involve climate change. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the science behind climate change and its potential impacts on the environment. By taking this course, Environmental Engineers can gain the knowledge they need to design and implement effective solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment, its processes, and how human activities affect it. Climate change is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, and it is essential that Environmental Scientists have a comprehensive understanding of this issue and its implications. This course provides a foundational understanding of the science behind climate change, its causes, and its potential impacts. By taking this course, Environmental Scientists can gain the knowledge they need to develop and implement strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and evaluate policies to address public issues, which often involve climate change. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the science behind climate change and its potential impacts on society. By taking this course, Policy Analysts can gain the knowledge they need to develop and evaluate policies that effectively mitigate and adapt to climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators teach people about the environment and its importance. Climate change is one of the most important environmental issues that people need to understand. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the science behind climate change and its potential impacts on the environment. By taking this course, Environmental Educators can gain the knowledge they need to teach people about climate change and its impacts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations to develop and implement sustainable practices. Climate change is one of the most important sustainability issues that organizations need to address. This course provides a foundational understanding of the science behind climate change and its potential impacts on organizations. By taking this course, Sustainability Consultants can gain the knowledge they need to help organizations develop and implement effective sustainability strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers help to protect the environment through the law. Climate change is one of the most important environmental issues that Environmental Lawyers need to understand. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the science behind climate change and its potential impacts on the environment. By taking this course, Environmental Lawyers can gain the knowledge they need to develop and implement effective legal strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer

Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the oceans and their role in the climate system. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in the oceans and how they are affected by climate change. By taking this course, Oceanographers can gain the knowledge they need to understand and predict the impacts of climate change on the oceans and their ecosystems.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate scientific information to the public. Climate change is one of the most important scientific issues that the public needs to understand. This course provides a foundational understanding of the science behind climate change and its potential impacts. By taking this course, Science Writers can gain the knowledge they need to communicate about climate change effectively to the public.

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Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's surface and its physical and human processes. This course provides a foundational understanding of the Earth's climate system and how it is changing over time. By taking this course, Geographers can gain the knowledge they need to understand and predict the impacts of climate change on the Earth's surface and its landscapes.

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Renewable Energy Developer

Renewable Energy Developers develop and implement projects to generate renewable energy. Climate change is one of the main reasons why people are turning to renewable energy. This course provides a foundational understanding of the science behind climate change and its potential impacts on energy production. By taking this course, Renewable Energy Developers can gain the knowledge they need to develop and implement effective renewable energy projects.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners design and develop cities and towns. Climate change is one of the most important factors that Urban Planners need to consider when planning for the future. This course provides a foundational understanding of the science behind climate change and its potential impacts on urban areas. By taking this course, Urban Planners can gain the knowledge they need to design and develop cities that are resilient to the impacts of climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner