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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.