Climate Systems

Catalog description

The climate of the Earth is changing. It has always changed. It will continue to change. How do we assess the impact of humanity on climate? We need to understand how our Earth system works, if we expect to predict our climatic future. This course looks at anthropogenic climate change and explores potential impacts, mitigation and adaptation. Topics covered include: the Greenhouse Earth, climate feedbacks, the impact of human activity on climate, the impact of climate on human activity, and future scenarios. Class discussions, demonstrations, and exercises will be used to provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and practice analytical techniques. Satisfies depth and breadth course requirement in the Natural Science track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor.