Global Climate Change Origins & Impacts

Catalog description

Offered spring semesters, even-numbered yearsThis course covers the radiation budget of the Earth and how it interacts with greenhouse gases in the atmospheres to regulate global temperature. Students will obtain a basic understanding of the atmospheric dynamics of the Earth and how it is affected by interactions with the oceans, cryosphere, biosphere and lithosphere. They will learn about geologic records of past climates , the history of human modifications of the atmosphere and projections for future climate. Current and future impacts of climate changes in human society and natural ecosystems will be evacuated. Alternative strategies for both mitigation of climate change and adaptation to its effects will be presented.