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What is Climate Change?

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What is Climate Change?

This course is part of Exploring Our Responses to Climate Change Specialization

Instructor: Joseph Casola

15,213 already enrolled

Included with

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3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

193 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

6 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

193 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

6 hours to complete

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Identify the major components of the climate system
Explain the role of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions as the drivers of global climate change
Identify the primary physical and ecological impacts of climate change
Explain the unique process by which scientific information is produced

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

3 assignments¹

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Taught in English

91% of learners achieved a positive career outcome

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Exploring Our Responses to Climate Change Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 3 modules in this course

In this course, learners will become familiar with the scientific evidence that demonstrates human-caused climate change. We will explore how greenhouse gases cause the Earth to warm, and why our recent warming is attributed to human activities. We will also discuss where our climate is headed, including anticipated future temperature, precipitation, and sea level. Learners will engage with the consequences of these changes on our ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities. We will also identify how political beliefs influence our attitudes about climate change, and apply that knowledge to become better climate communicators.

Module details

Climate change is real. Scientists agree that human activities are causing the climate to change. Warming will continue in the 21st century, and the amount of warming will be determined by our emissions of greenhouse gases.

What's included

5 videos3 readings1 assignment

5 videosTotal 48 minutes

Module 1 Introduction4 minutes
Climate Backgrounder6 minutes
It's Real and Scientists Agree10 minutes
It's Us14 minutes
Future Projections14 minutes

3 readingsTotal 51 minutes

Course Updates and Accessibility Support1 minute
Advancing the Science of Climate Change40 minutes
Fourth National Climate Assessment, Vol. II10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Quiz 1.130 minutes

The net impact of climate change on ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities is expected to be negative. Many impacts are already occurring, and we expect future warming to exacerbate their effects.

What's included

6 videos1 reading1 assignment

6 videosTotal 61 minutes

Module 2 Introduction3 minutes
Physical Changes: Temperature, Precipitation, and Hydrology15 minutes
Sea Level Rise and Ocean Acidification11 minutes
Impacts on Ecosystems9 minutes
Impacts to Infrastructure9 minutes
Human Dimensions of Impacts15 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Fourth National Climate Assessment10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Quiz 1.230 minutes

To stay informed about climate change, it is important to know where to get credible information. It’s also important to understand how scientific information is unique from other types of knowledge. Also, it can be helpful to recognize that others’ opinions on climate are heavily influenced by political affiliation. When engaging with others on climate, information needs to be tailored to take into account your audiences concerns and world views.