Rising Tides, Shifting Landscapes: The Science of Climate Change

The relationship between global warming and fossil fuel emissions is well known, but the complexities of Earth’s climate system can make it difficult to grasp the full scope of its impacts.

How do we predict future changes? What will the planet look like in 50 or 100 years—and why? Which regions are most vulnerable to rising sea levels? We will explore the Earth’s climate system to better understand global climate change and how it will shape the future of our planet.

Students will adopt the mindset of a climate scientist through interactive sessions that draw on real-world observations, computer simulations, and predictions from advanced Earth system models.

Topics include the Earth’s greenhouse effect; natural climate fluctuations, such as the ice ages; and more recent changes, including the rapid decline of Arctic sea ice.

With instructor support, students will apply their learning to weekly exercises and a final project on a climate change topic of their choice.

No math or science expertise is required.

However, this course will use some basic algebra and equations and will explore concepts from biology, chemistry, and physics.