Global Warming

Scope of the Class
David Archer

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This module introduces the scope of the class, outlining the key themes and objectives. It emphasizes the importance of understanding climate change as a multidisciplinary issue.
Heat and Light
David Archer

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This module delves into the concepts of heat and light, exploring their roles in Earth's climate system. Understanding these fundamentals is essential for comprehending climate dynamics and energy transfer.
Blackbody Radiation & Quantum Mechanics

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This module focuses on blackbody radiation and quantum mechanics. It explains how these principles relate to the Earth's energy balance and the greenhouse effect, crucial for grasping climate science.
Our First Climate Model
David Archer

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This module presents the first climate model, illustrating how scientists simulate climate systems. It highlights the importance of models in predicting climate change and understanding its impacts.
The Greenhouse Effect
Joseph Fourier

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This module examines the greenhouse effect, explaining how certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for addressing climate change and its global consequences.
What Makes a Greenhouse Gas?
David Archer

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This module investigates what constitutes a greenhouse gas, detailing the properties and behaviors of these gases. A comprehensive understanding is essential for analyzing their impact on climate change.
Greenhouse Gases in the Atmosphere
David Archer

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This module analyzes the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, exploring their concentrations and sources. This knowledge is vital for understanding their role in climate change.
What Holds the Atmosphere Up?
David Archer

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This module explains the factors that hold the atmosphere up, including gravitational and thermal dynamics. Understanding these principles is key to grasping overall climate system behavior.
Why its Colder Aloft
David Archer

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This module investigates why temperatures are cooler at higher altitudes. It examines atmospheric pressure and composition, which are essential for understanding weather patterns and climate variations.
Winds, Currents, and Heat
David Archer

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This module covers the interactions between winds, ocean currents, and heat distribution. It highlights their significance in shaping global climate patterns and understanding weather phenomena.
Six Degrees
David Archer

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This module discusses the concept of "Six Degrees," exploring the potential impacts of a 6-degree Celsius increase in global temperatures. It is critical for understanding climate thresholds and consequences.
Ice and Water Vapor Feedbacks
David Aaker

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This module examines feedback mechanisms associated with ice and water vapor. It discusses how these elements contribute to climate change and the importance of understanding feedback loops in climate models.
Clouds
David Archer

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This module focuses on the role of clouds in the climate system. It explains how clouds influence temperature, precipitation, and overall climate patterns, providing essential insights for climate studies.
The Weathering CO2 Thermostate
David Archer

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This module discusses the weathering CO2 thermostat, detailing how geological processes regulate carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Understanding this balance is crucial for comprehending long-term climate stability.
The Lungs of the Carbon Cycle
David Archer

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This module examines the "lungs of the carbon cycle," focusing on forests and oceans, which sequester carbon dioxide. Understanding their roles is vital for addressing climate change effectively.
The Battery of the Biosphere
David Archer

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This module focuses on the "battery of the biosphere," examining how ecosystems store and release energy. Understanding these dynamics is essential for recognizing the impact of climate change on biodiversity.
Coal and Oil
David Archer

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This module investigates the roles of coal and oil in the carbon cycle, examining their extraction, consumption, and environmental impacts. Understanding these fossil fuels is critical for addressing climate change.
Oil and Gas
David Archer

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This module explores the extraction and environmental effects of oil and gas. It emphasizes the necessity of transitioning to sustainable energy sources to mitigate climate change's impact.
The Carbon Cycle Today
David Archer

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This module discusses the current state of the carbon cycle, focusing on how human activities have altered natural processes. It is essential for understanding ongoing climate change trends.
The Long Thaw
David Archer

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This module examines the phenomenon known as "The Long Thaw," focusing on the long-term implications of climate change. It discusses possible future scenarios if current trends continue.
The Smoking Gun
David Archer

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This module investigates the "Smoking Gun" of climate change, presenting compelling evidence supporting human-induced warming. It consolidates scientific findings to reinforce understanding of climate change's urgency.
The Present in the Bosom of the Past
David Aaker

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This module discusses "The Present in the Bosom of the Past," detailing how historical climate data informs current trends. Understanding this relationship is vital for making informed projections about future climate scenarios.
Hot, Flat, and Crowded
David Archer

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This module covers the themes of "Hot, Flat, and Crowded," examining the intersections of climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity. It emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to these interconnected issues.

Course

Course Lectures