Online course
Climate Change: The Science
Learn what climate change is, and how it affects the planet
Climate Change poses an increasing threat to the stability of Earth’s systems. If we want to protect our planet from dangerous and unprecedented change, first we must understand the science behind climate change.
On this course you will explore this science, looking back across 4 billion years of Earth’s history to help you learn the difference between ‘natural’ from ‘human’ induced change; looking to the present to see how the impacts of climate change are already being felt; and finally looking to the future to see what it might hold for our planet.
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What topics will you cover?
Week 1 – Feedbacks
- Introduction to Climate Science
- Fundamental feedbacks in the Climate System
- Human drivers of change
Week 2 – Evidence
- Ancient past climate change
- Recent past climate change
- Identifying signs of climate change
Week 3 – Impacts
- Impacts on the Cryosphere
- Impacts on the Oceans
Week 4 – Future
- Modelling future climate projections
- The ‘Anthropocene’ and the ‘Great Acceleration’
- Taking action
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to…
Describe the key principles of climate change
Explore past climate change
Identify signs of climate change
Explain impacts on land and ocean systems
Discuss future projections and modelling future scenarios
Who is the course for?
You don’t need any prior knowledge of climate change, just an interest in science, nature and the environment.
Who will you learn with?
Professor Tim Lenton is Chair in Climate Change/Earth System Science at the University of Exeter. His research focuses on understanding the behaviour of the Earth as a whole system.
Senior Lecturer at The University of Exeter specialising in Glaciology, GIS and Remote Sensing
Educator on Climate Change: Challenges and Solutions
Find me on twitter @DamienMansell
PhD student researching the impacts of climate change on our world
MOOC producer for University of Exeter Geography department
@LTaylor1995
http://awildgeographer.wordpress.com/
Who developed the course?
The University of Exeter is a Russell Group university. It combines world-class research with very high levels of student satisfaction.
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Access to this course for 6 weeks
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Tests to validate your learning
Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you’re eligible
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Get a taste of this course
Find out what this course is like by previewing some of the course steps before you join:
Key Principles of Climate Change
Ancient Past Climate Change
The ocean is a sponge!
