GEOL 01131Earth in Transition: The Science of Global Climate Change

Catalog

This course provides a scientific foundation for understanding one of the most significant and complex issues facing the planet today: global climate change. It utilizes scientific evidence, theory, and inquiry to explore the fundamental physical processes that drive the climate system; the human fingerprint on climate and our Earth more broadly; and the state of the science regarding how climate has changed over the recent past and how it will continue to do so into the future. The impacts of climate change will be investigated, including assessments of warming in Earth’s atmosphere and oceans, rising sea level, variations in precipitation, changes to biological and ecological systems, and finally the potential consequences of this change for global society, as well as the potential solutions. This course is suitable for all majors.