May 1, 2024
Updated May 9, 2025
29 minute read
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in Earth's temperatures and weather patterns. While some of these shifts are natural, driven by changes in the sun's activity or large volcanic eruptions, human activities have been the primary driver of the current climate change since the 1800s. The main cause is the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases act like a blanket, trapping the sun's heat and causing the planet to warm. The Earth's average surface temperature is now approximately 1.2°C (2.16°F) warmer than in the late 1800s, before the Industrial Revolution. This warming trend is happening at an unprecedented rate.
Working in the field of climate change can be deeply engaging and exciting. You might find yourself at the forefront of developing innovative technologies to reduce emissions, or crafting policies that reshape how societies interact with the environment. Another fulfilling aspect is the opportunity to work with diverse communities globally, helping them adapt to climate impacts and build more resilient futures. The field is constantly evolving, presenting continuous learning opportunities and the chance to contribute to solutions for one of the most critical challenges of our time.
Introduction to Climate Change
Definition and scientific basis of climate change
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Find a path to becoming a Climate Change. Learn more at:
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Featured in The Course Notes
This topic is mentioned in our blog,
The Course Notes. Read
one article that features
Climate Change:
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Reading list
We've selected 14 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.
This report is the most comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the science of climate change.
Provides a comprehensive and sobering look at the potential consequences of climate change, exploring the potential impacts on human civilization and the environment.
Presents a detailed plan for reversing climate change, outlining 100 solutions that could potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Argues that we need to rapidly transition to a low-carbon economy to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
Examines the relationship between capitalism and climate change, arguing that we need to change our economic system to address the climate crisis.
Explores the history of mass extinctions and discusses the potential for a sixth extinction event caused by climate change.
Examines the reasons why people disagree about climate change, exploring the role of politics, ideology, and cognitive biases.
Was one of the first to raise public awareness about climate change, and it remains a classic work on the subject.
This novel explores the relationship between humans and trees, and it highlights the importance of protecting forests.
This classic book raised awareness about the dangers of pesticides and other chemicals, and it helped to inspire the environmental movement.
Investigates the tactics used by climate change deniers to spread misinformation and delay action.
Examines the factors that have led to the collapse of past civilizations, and it draws lessons for the future.
Explores the potential impacts of climate change on biodiversity and the future of life on Earth.
Provides a comprehensive overview of climate change, including the science, impacts, and policy responses.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/ovv6z7/climate
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