Science and Engineering of Climate Change (Coursera)

What options do we have to cope with these facts? Which of the many proposals are realistic, and which are just wishful thinking? By the end of this course, you will have the necessary conceptual tools to provide your own answers to these questions.

This MOOC is divided into four modules. With the first two you will understand how scientists measure climate and its evolution, how climate models work and how greenhouse gases within the atmosphere play a central role in determining the climate. The last two modules introduce the main technologies that can be used to reduce carbon emissions and carbon concentration in the atmosphere, and, in the light of the facts explained in the first part of the course, explain how these technologies can be best combined.

The MOOC is for those who want to understand not only the basics of climate-change science, but also what we can really and effectively do to curb the present trend in the planet’s temperatures. No previous knowledge is required.

What You Will Learn

- Understanding the evidence for climate change, and of its anthropogenic origin

- Understanding the basics of the carbon cycle, climate modelling, and the role of CO2 concentrations

- Critical appreciation of advantages and limitations of renewables, sequestration and negative emission technologies

Course 1 of 4 in the Climate Change and Sustainable Investing Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1: Current Climate Change in Context

WEEK 2: Modelling Climate Change

WEEK 3: Technologies to Control CO2 Concentration

WEEK 4: Non-Fossil Energy Sources